Natural and mechanical ventilation to maximize cattle welfare

Ventilation in dairy farms

A breath of fresh air for your cows

Proper air circulation inside the barn improves multiple factors of breeding. From temperature control to reducing the number of flies, the use of fans and correct ventilation channels significantly improves animal welfare.

There are 2 types of ventilation inside the barn:

Natural: normal air flow created with openings on the sides of the shed and on the roof
Fixed: various types of fans used when natural ventilation is no longer sufficient, for example during the summer

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What are the benefits of good ventilation?

Better dairy cow health means better farm productivity. Using enough fans and positioning them correctly will make the air in your dairy farm more breathable and protect your animals from temperature spikes.

Never too hot

Heat stress for cows begins already at 20°C. Natural ventilation and fans allow for more uniform heating of the stable during the winter and protect against heat peaks during the summer.

Lower humidity

Did you know that in summer a cow releases 30 liters of steam every day? All this humidity makes it more difficult for her to cool down. Good ventilation allows excess humidity to escape from the farm.

Fighting flies

A well-ventilated stable also helps fight flies. These insects will seek shelter from the air currents of the fans and the manure will be less humid, therefore less suitable for laying eggs.

What is permanent ventilation

Permanent or natural ventilation is a key element in managing the microclimate of cattle stables. Thanks to the stable openings and heat flows, it is possible to promote air exchange without the aid of mechanical systems, exploiting physical principles such as the chimney effect and the action of the wind. It is therefore important to have adjustable openings on the sides of the stable and on the ridge of the roof in order to be able to regulate the speed of air movement. In winter, to limit heat loss, 0.25-0.5 m/s is recommended, while in summer it can reach 4-5 m/s for greater cooling.

Chimney Effect

Hot air, being less dense, tends to rise upwards. In stables, this phenomenon allows hot and humid air to escape through openings located high up, such as domes or openings at the ridge of the roof, creating a depression that facilitates the entry of fresh air from the lower openings. The stack effect is stronger in higher barns, due to the greater pressure difference.

Wind Action

Wind hitting the barn walls generates positive pressure on the exposed side and negative pressure on the opposite side. This pressure difference promotes airflow through the structure, improving internal air exchange.Ask a question

Mechanical ventilation, for the most intense periods

When temperatures exceed 24°C and winds in the barn are below 0.9 m/s, cows may begin to show heat stress, resulting in a decrease in milk production and health problems. In these situations, the implementation of mechanical ventilation systems becomes essential.

High-Speed Fans

Installing high-speed fans inside the barn helps to increase air circulation, promoting the evaporation of sweat and the dispersion of body heat of the animals. This approach significantly reduces the risk of heat stress.Give a look to Schippers solutions

Cooling Systems

The combination of fans with cooling systems, such as heavy water spraying, allows the cows' coats to be wetted, facilitating more effective cooling. Subsequent ventilation accelerates drying, enhancing the cooling effect and improving animal welfare. It is important to ensure that the floor can drain easily, to avoid problems with humidity and cattle feet.

Heat-reflecting surfaces

To reduce the temperature in the barn, also consider reflective roof coverings. This way, a lot of heat will not enter the farm, thus decreasing temperatures.Discover roof coating

How many fans do you need?

If you plan to ventilate your barn with 140 cm fans, you will need to install a fan every 15 meters, preferably above the feed alley and with a 15-30° inclination towards the floor. Always try to stay about 5 meters away from the walls of the barn so as not to interfere with the air coming in from the windows. Other important areas to ventilate are the cow resting areas and the waiting room/corridor before the milking parlor.