**5. Management innovations**

Building a hygienic cow shed is another important aspect to be considered among the many factors that lead to the success or failure of dairy farms. Housing systems that require less labor, which provide a comfortable and healthy environment to animals, manage space including storage efficiently and take care of bio-security measures with easy modification and expansions are more profitable than heavy structures with huge capital investment. Sufficient sunlight, proper ventilation, clean, and dry flooring along with sufficient space for lying down and protection from adverse weather conditions are the basic necessities of animal housing. Further, an effective management program has to be developed, so that animals are prevented from falling ill and there is no need for antibiotics/medicines. The direction and orientation of shed plays an important role in keeping the animals healthy as well as reducing laborious work. Considering these factors, loose housing barn with open cattle shed are recommended here, as that can be easily adapted at small as well as marginal dairy farms.
