You have an installation of pipes running down the sides of the yard. There's maybe three or four hydrants along the length of the yard. These hydrants are fitted with a one-metre length of hose on them. All the operator has to do is open up the valve - there's no lifting or dragging, a large quantity of water comes out. Keeping yards clean has an impact on the udder health of the cows.
Cattle tend to kick up any manure left on the yard.
The manure carries bacteria onto the udder and can lead to mastitis. Keeping a clean yard is very important aspect of managing mastitis. A clean yard is a time-saver. If the udders are clean when the cow comes into the shed to be milked, it reduces the time required of the milker who puts the machine on the cow. A clean yard is less slippery so the cattle have more comfortable footing, making them much easier to move into the shed.