As cows leave the parlour they can be separated from the herd and penned up. This is vital if an animal has to be examined. It is also important if the cows are to be put to AI (artificial insemination).

Cows are often "PD", pregnancy diagnosed, by a vet using an ultrasound scanner. Here a calf foetus is visible to the right of the arrow.

By 11.00 am in the summer months the cows will have grazed after milking before settling to chew the cud. Most cows should be back in calf, however a bull may accompany the herd to catch any that are not.

In the winter months cows live indoors and are either bedded on straw or sawdust. Plenty of fresh bedding keeps the cows clean and reduces mastitis.

Cows produce lots of dung and this feed area is automatically scraped to keep it clean. The straw yard on the left is where the cows sit and sleep.

Good stockmanship is the key to a profitable dairy herd. The farmer always knows his cows and will spot the early signs if they are unwell.

Milk production can only occur when a cow has calved. Calves stay with their mothers for a few days before being transferred to the calf unit.

In the winter months calf feed consists of roughage and calf pencils. These are like a breakfast cereal.

Youngstock are at grass for most of the year except during the hardest winter months.

Further reading for Dairy Cows - Production cycle

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