Comparison of the technological and building situation of Estonian cowsheds in 1999 and 2004
¹Institute of Economics and Social Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: Riina.Miljan@emu.ee
²Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014,Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: Jaan.Miljan@emu.ee
³Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
Abstract:
In 1999 an investigation of the situation of Estonian cowsheds was carried out under the leadership of the Institute of Rural Building of the Estonian Agricultural University. The aim of the research was to determine the dominant building structures of cowsheds and find out what kind of technologies were used there. This research helped to clarify the situation and allowed to make proposals as to which problematic areas should get the attention of help funds of the European Union. In 2004 a similar survey was conducted about Estonian cowsheds. As a result of the research, we will be able to see what kind of changes have taken place during the past five years. It will also help us determine which problems still require the resources of the European Union in order to make the agricultural production more efficient.
Key words:
cattle housing, dairy farm, manure storage, milking systems