Livestock cooled during summer through waterside bars and renewable wind power technology
Improved Ventilation in Farm Animal Barns Boosts Comfort and Productivity
In the world of livestock farming, the role of ventilation systems is pivotal. These systems play a significant part in maintaining a comfortable and productive environment for farm animals, particularly during temperature extremes.
Ventilation systems, such as strategically placed fans and thermostatically controlled curtains, provide fresh air, remove excess moisture, and regulate seasonal temperature variations. By delivering consistent, directed airflow to the animal level, these systems ensure that every creature stays cool and comfortable without causing discomfort from water or moisture on feed.
In the case of the Kraak barn, a 13-meter high roof with good thermals provides natural cooling. The temperature in the pig pens is controlled to be between 16 and 17 degrees for comfort, while in the cow barn, the herd manager takes special care to ensure the cows have plenty of rest, feed, and water.
Cows, originally forest edge dwellers, prefer cooler and shady environments, especially during hot weather. It's not surprising then that cows in the Kraak barn are often found dozing on their resting places, with only a few at the feeding table. Even during sunny and hot weather, cows almost always choose the cooler interior of the barn over going outside.
Pigs, on the other hand, do not sweat and rely more on behavioural adaptations like wallowing and panting for cooling. As a result, their water needs also rise during heat stress. In fact, pigs may double their typical water intake in hot weather to help thermoregulate. Maintaining adequate ventilation and reducing humidity in barns or transport trailers are crucial to minimising heat stress and its physiological impacts on pigs.
Cows, during hot temperatures, can drink between about 4 to 5 gallons (15 to 19 liters) or more per day, substantially higher than in cooler weather due to increased need for thermoregulation and rumen function. While precise rates vary by breed, lactation status, and temperature, improved barn ventilation can encourage drinking and lying behaviour that supports milk production.
An average finishing pig weighing around 150 kilograms consumes about 15 liters of water per day. However, for pigs like sows, who require significantly more water, an additional 1.5 liters per piglet is needed.
In the pig farm run by Stefan Wille named Niebur, the temperature is controlled using ventilation systems. Frozen feed is not a practical option for pigs or cows in livestock farms due to the rumen's heat production in cows.
In conclusion, optimal ventilation—whether through natural airflow, mechanically operated fans, or hybrid systems—directly influences temperature control and animal welfare, supporting higher productivity and healthier livestock by managing air quality and mitigating heat stress. Water consumption rises notably with increased heat load, underscoring the need for reliable fresh water access and climate-adaptive barn design.
