Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock

Housing

Farm animals need some kind of shelter to escape the elements. It is commonly thought that winter is the most important time to provide shelter, but an animal’s natural coat can allow them to tolerate much colder temperatures than people can. Summer heat can be harder on animals than winter if shade is not available to them, either by trees or structures if they are out on pasture. Similarly, lack of ventilation in a barn or building can also be detrimental to animal health. Many livestock animals like pigs and rabbits do not sweat, which increases the risk of heat stroke and decreases overall production. A simple, three-sided shelter with an open front will meet the needs of many farm animals on pasture and is often the building of choice to raise healthy livestock. When designing a three-sided animal shelter, make sure the open side faces south, away from prevailing winds. Locate the structure on an elevated, well-drained site and keep winter access in mind for feeding and water handling.

*Refer to the Manual of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture in New Hampshire for specific guidelines on proper animal waste handling and barnyard management. For a print copy of the manual, contact the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, at 603-271-3551.

There are several factors to consider when planning adequate livestock shelter in cold weather:

- Air quality: Animal shelters should be open, providing natural ventilation, or enclosed, using fans and proper air inlets around the ceiling perimeter to provide good air circulation. Tight buildings result in a buildup of respiration gases, and animal odors, which can irritate the animal’s lungs and cause pneumonia. Dangerous ammonia levels1 can also build up and lead to suffocation death of animals and their caretakers.

- Drafts: Animals can stand cold temperatures, but you should protect them from drafts. Constructing panels in front of an open building can reduce drafts. Consider drafts at animal height, not person height. When animals are allowed to run loose in a pen instead of being hitched, they will search for the most comfortable spots as needed.

- Dry bedding area: Animals will be far more comfortable in the cold if they have clean, dry bedding. A thick, dry bed provides insulation from the cold ground and decreases the amount of energy the animal has to expend to keep warm. Shelter from the snow and rain allows an animal’s coat to remain dry, which provides maximum insulating value.

- Fresh water: All animals need water to survive. Under cold conditions, provide fresh water often or use freeze-proof watering devices. Animals will drink more when water is 50°F.

- Adequate food: Animals can endure severe cold temperatures if they eat enough food (energy) to maintain their energy reserves (body fat). Animals need energy for growth, maintenance and production. Extra energy is expended to keep warm. Therefore, they will require additional amounts of good quality feed during cold weather. For herbivores, free choice hay in hay racks should be supplied in addition to a species-appropriate concentrate or prepared ration."

Source:
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/housing-and-space-guidelines-livestock#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20factors%20to%20consider%20when%20planning%20adequate%20livestock%20shelter%20in%20cold%20weather%3A

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