Learn How To Construct A Dairy Zero-Grazing Unit
How to Construct a Dairy Zero-Grazing Unit: A Practical Guide
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| Zero-grazing isn't just about space-saving — it's about giving your dairy cows a stress-free, productive home |
By Newton Adera
Originally published: September 27, 2014
Updated and revised: 2026
Introduction
A well-designed dairy zero-grazing unit is more than just a shelter for cattle. It should provide a clean, comfortable and efficient environment for feeding, watering, resting, milking and managing the animals.
Over the years, I have been asked many questions about how to construct a dairy zero-grazing unit and what structures should be included in the design. The same basic principles can also be adapted for beef cattle and other livestock enterprises.
This guide is based on the practical ideas I originally shared in 2014, now reorganised and updated for today's livestock farmers.
Before beginning construction, however, farmers should consider the number of animals they intend to keep, available land, water supply, drainage, feed requirements, labour and the possibility of expanding the unit in the future.
1. Feeding Trough
The feeding trough is one of the most important components of a zero-grazing unit because cattle spend considerable time feeding.
A properly constructed trough should:
- Allow the cow to feed comfortably.
- Be easy to clean.
- Prevent unnecessary feed wastage.
- Be strong enough to withstand regular use.
- Have smooth surfaces that will not injure the animal.
In my original guide, I recommended a trough approximately 3 metres long, 40 cm deep and 30 cm wide.
However, the appropriate dimensions should ultimately be determined by the number and size of cattle being accommodated. A unit designed for two cows will obviously have different feeding requirements from one designed for six or more animals.
Construction consideration
Use good-quality concrete and ensure that the finished surface is smooth and easy to clean. Avoid sharp edges or rough concrete that could injure the cow's mouth or head.
2. Water Trough
Clean drinking water must be readily available to dairy cattle.
Dairy cows can consume substantial quantities of water, particularly when producing milk and when consuming dry feeds such as concentrates and hay.
The water trough should therefore be positioned where animals can reach it easily without interfering with feeding or movement.
It should also be:
- Easy to clean.
- Strong and durable.
- Designed to minimise contamination with manure.
- Connected to a reliable water source where possible.
The size of the water system should be determined by the number of animals being kept and their expected water requirements.
3. Mineral and Salt Provision
Minerals are an important part of livestock nutrition.
A zero-grazing unit should therefore provide an appropriate method for supplying mineral supplements or salt according to the animals' nutritional requirements.
In the original article, I recommended incorporating small slanting troughs alongside the main feeding and watering areas.
The important principle remains the same: mineral supplementation should be planned as part of the overall feeding programme rather than treated as an afterthought.
Farmers should use livestock mineral products appropriate for their animals and follow the manufacturer's directions or advice from a qualified animal-health or livestock nutrition professional.
4. The Feed Store
A feed store is another essential part of a well-planned dairy unit.
The store can be used for keeping:
- Hay
- Napier grass and other forage
- Dairy meal
- Mineral supplements
- Salt
- Feeding equipment
- Milking equipment
- Other farm supplies
The store should remain dry, well ventilated and protected from rodents and other pests.
Feed should be stored in a way that protects it from moisture and contamination.
Veterinary supplies
A secure area should also be provided for veterinary medicines and other animal-health supplies.
Medicines should be stored according to their labels and handled responsibly. Some veterinary products require particular storage conditions, and farmers should seek professional guidance where necessary.
5. The Milking Area
The milking area is where the farmer or milk handler carries out the daily milking routine.
In my original design, I suggested an area approximately 3 metres × 1.5 metres for milking.
The actual dimensions should be adapted to the number of cows and the design of the entire unit.
The milking area should provide:
- Adequate working space.
- Good ventilation.
- Good lighting.
- A cleanable floor.
- Easy access to clean water.
- Proper drainage.
- A safe position for the cow and the person milking.
A feeding trough can also be incorporated at the front of the cow so that feed can help keep the animal occupied during milking.
Most importantly, cleanliness should be a priority. The milking area should be cleaned routinely to reduce contamination of milk.
6. The Calf Pen
Do not overlook the calf when designing a dairy unit.
A calf requires its own clean, dry and adequately ventilated space where it can be protected and managed properly.
In the original design, I recommended incorporating two calf compartments so that calves could be moved as they grew.
The concept remains useful: the calf area should allow the farmer to separate calves according to age and management requirements.
The calf pen should have:
- A dry floor.
- Good drainage.
- Adequate ventilation.
- Protection from excessive rain and wind.
- Easy access for cleaning.
- Adequate space for the calf to stand, lie down and move comfortably.
The exact dimensions should be selected according to the age and size of the calf and current livestock-housing recommendations.
7. Water Storage Tank
A reliable water supply is essential for a dairy farm.
In my original 2014 article, I recommended a water tank with a capacity of at least 3,000 litres.
However, the appropriate tank size should not be selected simply by using one fixed figure.
Instead, calculate the expected water demand of the herd, together with water needed for:
- Cleaning the dairy unit.
- Washing milking equipment.
- Cleaning the milking area.
- Other farm activities.
A larger herd will naturally require a larger water reserve.
Where possible, farmers should also have a contingency plan for periods when the normal water supply is interrupted.
8. Drainage System
Drainage is one of the most important features of a zero-grazing unit.
A good drainage system helps remove:
- Urine.
- Water used during cleaning.
- Liquid manure.
- Other wastewater.
The drainage channel should be designed with an appropriate gradient so that wastewater flows away from the animal resting and feeding areas.
It should not be unnecessarily deep or difficult to clean.
Why drainage matters
Poor drainage can result in:
- Wet floors.
- Bad odours.
- Increased contamination.
- Uncomfortable animals.
- Difficult cleaning.
- Increased risk of disease and hoof problems.
A properly designed drainage system also makes manure management easier.
9. Manure Management
The manure produced by dairy cattle should not simply be regarded as waste.
Cow dung and other organic material can become a valuable farm resource when properly managed.
Collected manure can be used to improve soil fertility and support the production of fodder and other crops.
A good zero-grazing design should therefore consider where manure and wastewater will go before construction begins.
This is particularly important because changing the drainage or manure system after construction can be expensive.
10. Cow Cubicles and Resting Areas
The cubicles or resting areas provide cows with a place to lie down and rest.
Comfort is important because dairy cattle spend a significant amount of time resting.
The resting area should provide:
- Adequate space.
- A comfortable surface.
- Good drainage.
- Easy cleaning.
- Proper ventilation.
- Safe access for the cow.
The number of cubicles should correspond to the number of animals the farmer intends to keep.
Do not design the unit only for today's herd. If you intend to expand your dairy operation, consider the expansion requirements before construction begins.
Planning Before You Build
Before buying construction materials, draw a simple plan of the proposed dairy unit.
The plan should show the location of:
- Cow resting/cubicle area.
- Feeding trough.
- Water trough.
- Mineral-supplement area.
- Milking area.
- Calf pens.
- Feed store.
- Water tank.
- Drainage channel.
- Manure collection area.
The arrangement should allow the farmer to move between these areas efficiently.
A good dairy unit should save labour rather than create additional unnecessary work.
Think About Future Expansion
One of the mistakes farmers can make is constructing a unit that exactly fits the current herd without considering future expansion.
For example, a farmer starting with two cows may eventually want to keep four, six or more.
Therefore, when selecting the site and preparing the foundation, think about where additional cubicles, calf pens, feed storage or other facilities could be added.
Build today with tomorrow's dairy enterprise in mind.
Final Thoughts
Constructing a dairy zero-grazing unit is an investment, and careful planning before construction can save a farmer considerable money and labour later.
The best unit is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is one that provides the animals with appropriate housing while allowing the farmer to feed, water, milk, clean and manage the herd efficiently.
This article was originally published by me in 2014, and it has attracted interest from readers and livestock enthusiasts over the years. The purpose of this 2026 revision is to preserve those practical lessons while improving the information, structure and presentation for today's farmers.
If you are planning to construct a dairy zero-grazing unit, start with the herd size, available resources and future expansion plan before putting up the first wall.
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