Treatment and Disposal of Milk House and Milking Parlor Wastes

Amount of Waste Water

The amount of flushing water used each day in a milking parlor depends upon the number of animals milked and the management practices followed. Because the amount of flushing water used for cleanup in a given parlor is about the same regardless of the number of animals milked, less water is used per cow in larger herds than in smaller ones. Table 1 gives estimates of water use from milkhouses, milking parlors, and stall barns.

Consider a 100-cow free-stall unit with automatic prep stalls (average water use), a pipeline milking system, and a bulk tank with automatic washing equipment. Using table 1, daily water use can be estimated as follows:

For manual preparation with an estimated water use of 0.5 gal/cow/wash (100 gallons per two milkings), total daily use would be 535 gallons (435 + 100). With high water use automatic prep stalls, water use is estimated to be 4.5 gal/cow per wash (900 gallons for 2 milkings), resulting in a total daily water use of 1,335 gallons (435 + 900).

The amount of water needed for cow preparation increases as the number of cows milked increases. While 200 cows will require twice as much preparation as 100 cows, the amount of water needed for other washing will not double. We suggest that the water needed for "other washing" be increased by 25 percent for each 100 cows.

Table 2 has been prepared on this basis. As an example, with an automatic prep stall average water use and 100 cows, 400 gallons is estimated for cow preparation and 435 gallons for "other washing." for a total of 835 gallons. For a 200-cow herd, the 435 gallons is increased to 545 gallons (1.25 x 435) and added to the 800 estimated for cow preparation, resulting in a total estimated water use of 1,345 gallons. For 300 cows the estimated value is 1,850 gallons (1.50 x 435 + 1200). Recognize that the values in table 2 are estimates. Actual water use can vary widely depending on management practices. For an accurate determination of actual water use, a water meter must be installed. Water meters are available from plumbing supply houses at a cost of $60-$100.

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636.

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.