The Missouri State Milk Board requires the milking parlor to be flushed with fresh water, but effluent may be recycled from a lagoon for flushing other areas such as the holding pen, loafing and feeding areas. The following list includes some advantages of flushing dairy facilities, compared to scraping with a tractor and blade. Labor may be reduced. Flushing systems may be easily automated. Frequent flushing may result in cleaner facilities and less odor.
Operating costs are lower.
Better accommodates large facilities and cow numbers. Floors dry out better because wet, residual manure is removed. This list includes disadvantages of flushing. For optimum system, facilities should be designed with proper slopes and other features. Installation of flush systems with associated recycle pump, piping, and flush devices may be relatively complicated and expensive.