FEED-BOX FOR THROUGH MILKINGSHEDS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXV, Issue 1, 20 July 1922, Page 47

FEED-BOX FOR THROUGH MILKINGSHEDS.

J. L. BRUCE,

Superintendent of Experimental Farms, Wellington.

In last month's Journal drawings were given of a disappearing feed-box designed to meet the requirements of dairymen with walkthrough milking-sheds. Perhaps the only objection to the popular walk-through shed has been the difficulty of feeding concentrated food to the cows when in the stalls. This simple device should therefore be largely taken advantage of. It pays handsomely to provide dairy cows at certain seasons of the year with a liberal supply of concentiated foods.

These boxes, which were installed at the Pukeora Sanatorium Farm last month, have proved in every respect satisfactory. One or two little improvements on the details shown last month have suggested themselves., By removing the three battens on the front of the recess and fixing them forward about 30 in. the double purpose . is gained of more easily replenishing the feed-boxes, and of handling the cow-covers. With this slight alteration it has been found that the feed-boxes can be conveniently turned forward by hand after replenishing the foodthat is, without using the drawpole.- The withdrawal of the box into the recess without using a

draw-pole can also be done equally well by attaching a cord to the screw-ring, passing the cord through a staple or small pulley affixed : . to the wall, and fastening the end to the upright of the recess, when it can be conveniently pulled for the removal of the box before opening the exit-door. This method is recommended.

1 The box is firmly screwed to the door-stud about i ft. above the floor - level and about J in. above the 4 in. by 2 in. lower batten, so that the underneath stop will keep the trough in position while the cow is feeding, or in the event of rough usage it will rest temporarily on the batten, thus relieving the hinges of undue pressure. It is estimated that these boxes . can be manufactured in wholesale lots at about 16s. each.

The cows shown in the accompanying photos certainly give the impression of contentment — enjoying their ration of concentrated food, and at the same time responding freely to the pulsation of the milking-machine.