The average cow produces 3.5 gallons of urine and 65 pounds of manure daily. Humidity is a key factor in indoor air quality. Since respiratory disease is a leading cause of death among cattle and other livestock, providing adequate air flow is critical, particularly in the summer heat. Animals naturally generate heat, noxious gases and humidity that can quickly reach unhealthy levels indoors. Maintaining healthful air quality is always a challenge when keeping animals in an enclosed building. Sometimes, however, an enclosed barn is necessary, particularly for young stock and during winter months. A shed that is open on one or more sides, with a solid wall angled to block prevailing winds, will be the healthiest choice for your animals for much of the year.
Open pasture is the healthiest condition for animals most of the time, but even the hardiest animals need shelter from rain, snow, cold winter winds and hot summer sun.
The first job of a barn or shed is to shelter animals from weather extremes. To keep animals healthy, barns and other shelters must provide three things: Whether you need an open shed to provide basic shelter in your pasture, a dairy barn with milking stations or a chicken house, you can have it sooner for less if you choose to work with a custom post frame barn builder. Thanks to their large interior spans and quick, inexpensive construction, post frame barns are ideal for housing livestock. 3 Keys to Designing Cattle Barns for Healthy Livestock