Batt-Latch
Instruction Manual
10
3.1
Useful Hints from users:
X
Training.
The cows will be easier to train or entice to the dairy by
themselves if they are early in the season (just calved), hungrier than
normal, or there is a feedpad or supplements at the dairy or beyond the
release point. The normal training period is quite short, 2-3 weeks or even
less.
X
Energising
the spring/tape gates that are used with the Batt-Latches are
optional. Most have found that there is almost no need to energise the
gateway. The only time that farmers should need to energise the gateway
is during periodic training of younger stock, or during calving and the early
part of the season.
X
Automatic release reduces herd stress
. Some farmers have noticed
that there is less lameness in their dairy herd because cows can pick their
own way in the race, which also preserves herd hierarchy. If stock are
being handled incorrectly in unsuitable races for long distances, the use of
your Batt-Latch for unattended stock movements can
reduce herd
lameness
by up to 70%, it is reported.
X
Spring gates versus Bungy
. Some farmers are using a cut down spring
gate (less bulky) with a rope or bungy cord to get it to spring out of the way
of moving stock. Try the Taragate Bungy or Gallagher’s shockcord
G89104. The spring gate we supply is a special export length capable of
spanning 8m gateways (Stafix RSG5XL). Do not exceed 7kg of strain (in
line with the gearbox shaft) which is quite a high force. Check gate forces
using a spring balance if unsure.
X
Once-a-day summer milking
: By milking in the morning and utilising a
Batt-Latch to free the herd to new pasture in the afternoon, there is no
need for workers to come back onto the farm just for that job, saving labour
and freeing up leisure time.
X
Spring Gate tips:
You can use an empty 15kg acid pail or similar as a
receptacle for the spring gate. Simply cut a circle in the base big enough for
the spring, position that on the “receiving” post end ahead of the black
plastic hook, and the released spring will have a landing point rather than
possibly tangling in the wire fence. Makes more noise and also makes a
handy bucket for transporting the system to the next gateway on the bike.
Some farmers bring the Batt-Latches back to a central point for pickup.
X
Herd health benefits:
Many farmers report reduced bullying in the dairy
and feedpad area as the “pecking order” is retained, also anecdotal
evidence implies that mastitis is reduced by the more leisurely pace and
single file walk to those areas. Because the gate release is unattended
and at a set time, less manure is deposited on the race, the bulk remaining
in the paddock, lessening teat contamination and helping race
maintenance.
