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Objectives of a cow track
Cow tracks bring a number of benefits to your farm and herd. Find out how installing a track can save you money, keep your cows healthy and minimise your environmental impact.
Objectives of a cow track
The right track can:
- Improve cow flow and reduce herding time
- Allow cows to travel comfortably and easily over considerable distances from the parlour
- Minimise damage to claws and reduce the risk of skin lesions (e.g. foul), which also minimises lameness
- Reduce field poaching and compaction, which lessens environmental impact
- Extend the grazing season by providing better field access
- Improve udder hygiene by keeping cows cleaner
Cost savings and other benefits of installing a cow track
Cow tracks can bring cost savings. You can calculate these by working out the number of extra weeks of grazing that a track will gain you at the start and end of the season, and take into account what this will save you in expenses such as conserved forages, scraping out and bedding.
Cow tracks may also benefit your general herd health, as they give you greater control over when your cows can be turned out and housed.
These advantages include better foot and udder health, labour savings, and keeping sudden changes in your cows’ diet to a minimum.
Useful links
Learn how cows behave on a cow track
Find out what to consider when planning your cow track route
Learn about materials for your cow track
Discover how to design and build a cow track
Find out more about maintaining a cow track
Learn about draining your cow track
Find out how to calculate cow track costs
Learn how to fence a cow track
View the latest Cow tracks and herding guide
We have a number of technical resources for you to use on farm and in the office.
To order a hard copy of Cow tracks:
- Email: publications@ahdb.org.uk
- Telephone: 0247 799 0069
- Fill out our online form