Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In dairy farming, the layout of stanchion barns plays a vital role in housing management, sanitation, and labor efficiency.
The two primary configurations used for housing dairy cows in double rows are:
1. Face-in (Head-to-Head) System: Animals face each other towards a central feed passage.
2. Face-out (Tail-to-Tail) System: Animals face away from each other towards outer walls, with a central manure passage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements in detail:
- Assertion A: "Face-out type of arrangement in a barn saves 20% floor area as compared to face-in type."
This statement is incorrect.
In a face-in arrangement, the central feed passage is shared between two rows of cows, which significantly reduces the total width of the barn compared to a face-out arrangement (where separate feed passages must be maintained along both outer walls).
Because of this shared central space, the face-in system is more compact and saves about 10% to 15% of the total floor area. The face-out system does not save floor area.
- Reason R: "Manure alley can be eliminated in the face-in type of arrangement."
According to standard agricultural engineering textbooks and competitive exam answer keys, this statement is considered true.
In a face-in layout, the cows face inwards, so their tails and manure discharge are located towards the outer walls.
With proper gutters and automated mechanical scrapers installed along the outer edges, a dedicated wide central manure alley can be omitted or eliminated, utilizing that space for other operations.
Therefore, Assertion A is false, but Reason R is true.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).