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A loose housing dairy shed needs about 3.5-4 m2 of covered standing per adult animal plus 7-10 m2 of open paddock, and around 1.0-1.2 m of manger per animal so all can feed at once. Manger length is usually the constraint that sets shed length in a well-designed unit.
Housing area
Covered = animals x covered per animal; open = animals x open per animal; manger = animals x manger per animal
Loose housing gives better feet, udder health and oestrus expression and needs less labour per animal, at the cost of more area. Tie stalls suit very small herds and cold climates.
Yes. Buffaloes and large crossbreds need 4.5-5 m2 covered; calves need 1.0-1.5 m2 up to six months. Size the shed for mature body weight, not current.