Key Considerations
- Feed bunks are commonly designed with either headlocks or a post and rail system.
- Each option has advantages and challenges, influencing cow behavior, feed management, and facility efficiency.
Headlocks
Advantages:
- Reduce feed waste by minimizing spillage.
- Decrease aggressive competition among cows at the feed bunk.
- Facilitate animal handling in critical areas like pre- and post-fresh pens and sick pens.
Considerations:
- Should not be introduced to naïve animals during transition periods to avoid reduced dry matter intake.
- Heifers should be familiarized with headlocks during rearing for smooth transition into lactating pens.
- Some producers prefer using a sort gate and separate handling area instead of headlocks.
Installation Guidelines:
- Mount on an 18 to 20-inch (46 to 51 cm) high feed curb for Holsteins; 15 to 16 inches (38 to 41 cm) for Jerseys.
- The upper edge of the lower headlock rail should be 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) above the cow-side feed alley for Holsteins and 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48 cm) for Jerseys.
- Headlocks should be angled toward the feed to improve reach.
- Available in 24-inch (61 cm) and 30-inch (76 cm) widths; wider options are preferred for close-up and post-fresh cows.
- At peak use, only about 80% of 24-inch headlocks are typically occupied.
- Choose a design with a down-cow self-release mechanism.
- Ensure proper neck pivot space for larger Holsteins (7.5 to 8.5 inches (19 to 22 cm) between pipes when closed).
Post and Rail Feed Barriers
Advantages:
- Allow greater freedom of movement at the feed bunk.
- Provide flexibility in pen design, particularly in prefresh areas where heifers learn to compete with mature cows.
Considerations:
- Can result in more feed waste compared to headlocks.
- Increase dominance-related displacements at the bunk.
Installation Guidelines:
- Feed curb height: 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) for Holsteins, 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48 cm) for Jerseys.
- Feed manger side should be elevated 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) above the cow alley.
- Curb width should be 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
- Feed rails (2-inch (5.1 cm) diameter) should be mounted 48 to 50 inches (1.2 to 1.3 m) above the cow-side feed alley.
- Rear edge of the feed rail should be positioned 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) forward of the cow-side curb.
- Rails should be supported every 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m) with a vertical post.
Additional Feed Bunk Design Considerations
- Manger surface: Should be 36 inches (91 cm) wide and made of smooth, durable materials like ceramic tile or high-strength concrete to resist silage etching.
- Feed delivery alley: Should be 18 to 20 feet (5.5 to 6.1 m) wide to allow for efficient feed delivery and minimize risk of cows stepping on feed.
Summary
Selecting between headlocks and post and rail feed barriers depends on operational goals, cow management preferences, and facility layout. While headlocks reduce competition and facilitate handling, post and rail systems offer cows more freedom of movement. Proper design and installation are essential for maximizing efficiency and cow comfort.
