Have you ever had a situation on the farm when, with a balanced diet and warm conditions, cows suddenly began to produce less milk or the quality of such milk production deteriorated significantly? Agree, not a very pleasant situation. Especially if the animals begin to get sick for no apparent reason.
For productive keeping of cattle, the room must have a stable microclimate with proper air circulation. High humidity and temperature changes are most often the reasons for a decrease in the amount of milk and a loss of live weight. This situation can be corrected if the exhaust system is correctly designed and installed.
In the article we will tell you how to do the ventilation of the barn with your own hands. Consider the existing types of exhaust systems and talk about how to choose equipment for them.
The content of the article:
- Barn ventilation functions
-
Types of ventilation systems for cattle
- View # 1 - natural system
- Type # 2 - forced ventilation
- Type # 3 - mixed ventilation system
-
Types of fans for barns
- Booster fans for barns
- Horizontal ceiling fans
- Air exchange rates in the barn
- DIY ventilation device
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Barn ventilation functions
Typically, barns are built from reinforced concrete slabs. Such structures are quickly erected, they are strong and durable. Along with the advantages, concrete buildings also have a number of disadvantages: lack of air circulation, which is why it is stuffy inside the building in summer and cold in winter.
Waste from cows provokes the formation and accumulation of ammonia. If there is no circulation of air masses, then the gas accumulates, and its large concentration can harm animals. In such an environment, bacteria multiply faster. Corrosive vapors eat away at the mucous membranes, causing dry mouth and sore eyes.
Poor housing conditions lead to a decrease in cattle immunity and losses to the farmer. Therefore, for any barn, as well as for chicken coop or other premises for keeping animals and birds, a ventilation system is required. It removes carbon dioxide and provides fresh air without creating drafts.
Correctly designed ventilation in the barn will relieve the animals of discomfort, stress and possible diseases. The exhaust system disperses the exhaust air and prevents the spread of pathogenic microbes
Types of ventilation systems for cattle
There are several variations of ventilation: forced, natural, and mixed. The choice of an exhaust system depends on the size of the building, the number of livestock, the climate and other factors.
Cows can live comfortably if the area in the room for one individual is at least 6 m² and the ceiling height is from 2.5 m. There should also be an area for females with calves and a place for equipment.
The choice of material and technical base depends on the way the cows are kept. Usually, the stall method is used, when the cows stand in a designated area for them. With the pasture-stall method, animals can walk in a place prepared for them
The ventilation requirements for barns are given in SNiP 2.10.03-84. The document contains the basic requirements and calculation formulas for the choice of equipment. Fulfilling the requirements of SNiP, the farmer will create comfortable conditions for keeping animals. The better the cows feel, the more milk they produce.
All types of ventilation systems have their own characteristics of operation and installation. Incorrectly selected ventilation or incorrect arrangement of equipment can lead to disturbances in the microclimate. Exhaust equipment must not cause drafts.
Next, we will consider in more detail the features of various types of ventilation.
View # 1 - natural system
Fresh air is supplied through windows, cracks and door structures. Waste humid air is discharged through the ceiling.
To prevent dust from the street from getting into the barn with natural ventilation, special cassette filters are installed on the inlets
The advantages of natural ventilation include low construction costs and easy installation. Despite the absence of additional electricity costs, such an exhaust system also has a number of disadvantages.
Cons of natural ventilation:
- it is difficult to calculate the power;
- it is impossible to adjust the humidity level;
- the presence of stagnant zones;
- sucking in dust and bacteria through open windows;
- dependence of the indoor microclimate on the weather.
Use of this type of ventilation is permissible only in private households and farms with a small number of cows. At the same time, the waste products of cows need to be removed on time, or there will be little sense from the natural ventilation system.
It is possible to improve the operation of the natural exhaust system using special equipment: ventilation curtains, light horse. Additional devices will improve the process of air inflow and outflow.
Barn ventilation curtains
The product can be of rigid, semi-rigid or soft construction. Curtain control can be automatic, manual and mixed. Such structures are installed on various areas of the barn: windows, doors, roof, and walls.
Ventilation curtains are the perfect complement to the natural extraction system. They help to ensure a comfortable indoor climate and reduce electricity costs.
Curtains can be made from various materials. The most commonly used variations are made from synthetic plastic. Some types of canvases are designed to completely shade the barn. There are also products that allow sunlight to pass through when closed.
Benefits of ventilation curtains:
- protection of the barn from the influence of the external environment;
- the ability to adjust the width of the opening of the canvas and create the required air flow;
- allow you to create climatic zones inside the overall premises;
- can be used to create a thermal barrier.
The ventilation curtains are ideal for large-sized livestock farms. Small barns can also be equipped with the device. This will allow you to quickly create comfortable conditions for keeping animals and significantly reduce energy costs.
Lighthorse in the barn
The equipment is made of translucent cellular polycarbonate. Mount the light skate on the roof. It improves air exchange and lighting in the room.
The light horse is characterized by a long service life. Its frame is made of durable profile pipes. As a result, the roof structure of the barn does not lose its rigidity.
The device of a light ventilation ridge will protect the barn from the penetration of strong winds, rain or snow into the premises. The product facilitates the natural outflow of humid exhaust air.
Benefits of a light skate:
- it is possible to manufacture for any type of roof;
- improves the microclimate in the barn;
- protects equipment and structures from the formation of fungus;
- saves energy through natural light;
- ensures the penetration of fresh air without drafts.
Polycarbonate sheets have good insulating properties. The material is abrasion and scratch resistant. He is not afraid of temperature changes. These properties allow the use of the light horse for a long time.
Type # 2 - forced ventilation
To provide forced ventilation in the barn, install fans, as well as special valves. The system allows you to effectively remove excess moisture and unpleasant odors from the room. She is able to fully provide cows with fresh air.
It is advisable to install a forced ventilation system in barns of 10 or more heads. It is expensive, but many times more productive than the natural type. Therefore, it pays off quickly
The equipment of forced ventilation from the 220 V network is in operation. Additional system costs include periodic lubrication of fans and other devices, replacement of parts, and energy costs.
The advantages of an exhaust system include:
- fast air exchange process;
- elimination of unpleasant odor;
- lack of stagnant zones;
- automation of the ventilation process;
- the ability to adjust the temperature.
It is difficult to install forced ventilation on your own. It is necessary to prepare a project in advance, choose the right type and power of the fan. Therefore, many farmers order the installation of an exhaust system from specialists.
Type # 3 - mixed ventilation system
Mixed ventilation is used in large barns. It combines the use of automatic equipment and natural ventilation (there are many opening windows in the structure of the room).
Mixed ventilation is used for farms with 50 or more head of cattle. It is convenient to use it in the summer: when the cows are grazing, the room is ventilated and dried through the windows; turn on the fans at night
This type, in comparison with forced ventilation, can significantly reduce the energy consumption for air conditioning the barn. Since the artificial exhaust system is connected only when the temperature drops.
Types of fans for barns
For air circulation in large barns, forced or mixed ventilation is installed. Such structures are equipped with various types of fans.
Fan types:
- horizontal ceiling;
- vertical overclocking.
In order for the exhaust systems to work for a long time, the fans for the barn must be made of durable and high quality materials.
Booster fans for barns
These fan variations are most commonly used in barns. They are affordable and capable of creating airflow throughout the entire room. Products are hung at a certain angle on the braces.
Overclocking fans are characterized by low noise level, durability and economy. These undeniable benefits make them popular with farmers.
Typically, the devices are placed over stalls or walkways. The height above the floor should be 2.5 m. Fans are hung in 20 meter increments.
Fan blades are made of stainless or galvanized steel. Stainless steel has greater wear resistance due to its anti-corrosion properties and high strength.
In the structure of the overclocking fans there is a belt drive, which is hidden under a special cover. The engine is quite powerful, it can work for a long time and continuously, which is especially important for regions with hot summers.
The speed regulation and control of the device is carried out by means of a special panel. The most expensive models of fans have a mesh or automatic shutters (designed for installation in shafts and openings).
Horizontal ceiling fans
Install ceiling fans in barns for 50 or more cows. The design of the devices is quite dimensional, the blades are capable of moving large flows of air masses and evenly distributing fresh air inside the structure.
Horizontal fans with large blades can lower the barn temperature by 2-8 ° C, even in hot summers. The unit runs quietly and does not create drafts. Rotating blades are able to scare away insects as well as birds
Products are often used to organize mixed ventilation in barns. They can be installed together with curtains or a skylight. These fans create a constant flow of air that contributes to the well-being of cows and calves. Beds and stalls are always dry. The number of microbes in the room is reduced.
The blades of the fume hood are made of a lightweight and durable aluminum profile. The length of the blades depends on the blowing area. The fan, which has a diameter of about 7 m, is capable of providing normal airflow to an area of 22-25 m.
The control panel of the device allows you to turn on or off ventilation, as well as change the speed of rotation of the blades. One ceiling fan can easily replace several vertical fans.
Air exchange rates in the barn
Regardless of the climatic conditions, ventilation in the barn structure must be carried out constantly. Air should be refreshed more often in summer than in autumn and winter.
The standard temperature for keeping cattle ranges from 8-10 ° C. Higher temperatures (over 22 ° C) cause discomfort, stress and disease in cows
When temperatures are too low, cows start to eat a lot. But the energy received is not used to increase milk production, but to maintain body temperature.
The humidity in the barn should also be monitored. Dry air provokes rapid breathing and has a bad effect on the general condition of animals. High humidity promotes the multiplication of microbes and viruses, which contributes to various diseases.
Cow bedding should be dry. Humid and stagnant air, as well as damp straw underfoot, provoke the development of mastitis and pneumonia.
The permissible moisture content for keeping cows is 50-85%. The optimum humidity for the life of animals is 70% (for all ages).
When determining the optimal air exchange in a room, a special formula is used (while the joint heat generation and the level of evaporation adjusted for respiration must be taken into account animals):
L = Q x K + a / q1 - q2,
Where:
- L - the amount of air required, the volume indicator in cubic meters is calculated. m / hour;
- Q - evaporation rate;
- K - moisture that is released during the respiration of cows;
- a - the rate of evaporation of moisture in the barn;
- q1 - indicator of humidity of air flows inside the room;
- q2 - humidity of the incoming stream.
The air exchange rate is of great importance. Especially in conditions of keeping a large livestock. Because the quality and quantity of milk yield depends on it.
DIY ventilation device
You should only build an exhaust system yourself if you have the skills and the appropriate tools. Usually, the owners of small barns are engaged in the arrangement of natural or mixed ventilation.
First of all, in the barn, you need to equip the inlets for fresh air from the street. They should be placed evenly along the wall at a height of 20 cm from the floor (above the foundation). Before installation, the wind rose of the area is analyzed. The equipment should be installed on the leeward side of the barn and equipped with dampers, which will allow you to regulate the intensity of the air flow.
Various materials can be used to create ventilation ducts in the barn. The main thing is that the parts are durable and there are no drafts.
Then install ventilation ducts in the upper part of the room (at least 2 m from the floor) to remove exhaust air. For these purposes, boxes and pipes are used. Parts are made of plastic, metal or wood.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features insulation of air ducts.
To improve the flow of air masses over the entire area of the barn, a ventilation shaft is mounted - a box with a diameter of 50 × 50 cm, in which holes are made with a step of 60 cm. It is better to make the shaft itself from stainless steel, so it will last longer.
If ceiling fans are used, then they are mounted at an angle of 15 degrees at a height of 2.5 m from the floor covering. The distance between the units is 20 meters.
If there is a persistent smell of ammonia in the barn, then the ventilation is failing. In this case, you should strengthen the operation of the fans or install additional devices.
When arranging mixed ventilation, care should be taken to automatically turn on / off the fans. Since the temperature as well as the humidity of the air changes, the devices will not always work with constant power.
Special sensors will help to ensure the gradual switching on and off of the fans. When the temperature changes by 0.5-5 ° C, they will work and start ventilation. In large rooms where more than 10 fans are installed, a step of 0.5 ° C can be set. Then, when the set temperature is reached, the units will be triggered alternately. Such operation of the devices will allow avoiding a sharp change in the microclimate.
The power of the fans is calculated for the specific conditions of keeping cattle. Formulas and calculation parameters are given in special regulatory documents: SNiP 2.10.03-84, Designer's Handbook (section "Ventilation and Air Conditioning"), as well as NTP-APK 1.10.01.001-00.
But for the design and installation of a forced ventilation system, specialists are invited - the installation and connection of complex equipment requires skills and special tools.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How the equipment is placed in the barn for supply and exhaust ventilation can be seen in the video below:
In the video you can also see an example of ventilation of a small barn (up to 100 cows):
In the article, we talked about comfortable conditions for keeping animals, air exchange standards, and also considered the existing types of ventilation equipment. We analyzed the features of creating an exhaust system in a barn with our own hands.
So, the productivity of cows directly depends on the conditions of detention: ambient temperature, humidity and the availability of fresh air in the room. The ventilation system allows you to create an optimal microclimate. For small barns, the natural type is suitable. It is advisable to equip farms with a livestock of 20 or more individuals with ceiling or overclocking fans.
Would you like to supplement the above information with useful information? Or would you like to share your personal experience of arranging ventilation in the barn? Write your additions, share information, participate in discussions - the feedback form is located below.
