The industrial farming equipment you use and how you regulate your livestock’s environment affects the welfare of your animals and the productivity of your business. Weather conditions, especially severe heat, can causes distress in livestock and interfere with their health, so the best solution for maintaining the safety and health of your animals is choosing a shelter that will provide them with optimal living conditions. Learn how to choose the best livestock shelter by exploring the characteristics of a quality livestock shelter.
Well-Ventilated
A good livestock shelter is well-ventilated and provides sufficient air quality. If a livestock shelter has poor air circulation, it could cause waste and pest management to become unmanageable. Ventilation is also responsible for maintaining cooler temperatures inside the shelter during warmer months.
Keeps Livestock Safe
As the name suggests, a livestock shelter should provide refuge and protect the animals that occupy it. Choose a shelter that meets the capacity requirements of your livestock to prevent physical injury due to insufficient space. Ensure that the walls and roof your shelter are stable to avoid the risk of collapsing. Select a shelter with sufficient openings to allow animals to freely enter and exit at the same time without injuring each other.
Furthermore, the shelter should fit livestock as well as the resources they require. If a shelter is large enough for livestock but too small for food and water, it’s an insufficient shelter for your animals.
3. Provides Deep Shade
Evaluate the terrain your livestock uses and choose a shelter that allows them to have deep shade. Deep shade refers to maintaining cooler temperatures on the ground despite the air temperature. Because of their fat deposits, livestock—especially cattle—require additional measures to prevent heat distress. A shelter must accommodate their body temperatures to prevent heat stress, disease, or—for lactating livestock—a reduction in milk production.
Keeping your farm animals safe and sheltered is imperative to their health and to the productivity of your livestock business. Choosing the right shelter is the first step to ensuring your livestock’s well-being and your business’s success.