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As the weather changes, you must keep a close eye on your livestock barn ventilation. Whether your barn is newly constructed or has stood the test of time, proper ventilation is key to creating the best conditions for your livestock.
We can't emphasize enough how vital proper airflow is for your livestock. When temperatures spike, heat stress becomes a threat to the health, welfare, and productivity of your animals. Adequate ventilation protects your pigs, cows, and other livestock from heat stress.
If you want to optimize your ventilation system, we recommend regularly inspecting these five key components:
Fans
As a cattle farmer, you know that fans are vital for keeping your herds comfortable in the barn. Proper air circulation prevents heat stress and supports healthy livestock. However, fans can't do their job if they aren't properly maintained. When dust and grime build up on blades or shutters and get stuck, airflow decreases. And without smooth operation, even the best fan will fail early.
You likely don't need a reminder, but let's review fan care basics anyway.
- Regular cleaning keeps components working efficiently so your fans last longer.
- Tight belts prevent slippage and damage whileallowing fans to spin at the right speed.
- Greased fittings ensure smooth operation, whichfurther extends their life.
So next time you and your team do a barn walk-through, go grab some supplies. Wipe those blades, check those belts, and grease those fittings.
Sidewall Curtains
Your sidewall curtains must stay in working order through the winter months. After all, these are the barrier against the cold gusts. Without them, your animals will get cold and floors will freeze.Feed efficiency drops and animals get susceptible to health issues when the barn temperature changes too rapidly.
Don't wait until an emergency arises to realize worn-out curtains have been letting in winter air. Take time now for proactive repairs and maintenance while it's still early in the season.
Evaporative coolers
Using evaporative cooling systems is a natural way to cool the barn. These ingenious systems use water's ability to absorb heat as it evaporates.
Using evaporative cooling systems is a natural way to cool the barn. These ingenious systems use water's ability to absorb heat as it evaporates.
To check if your evaporative coolers are working well:
- Inspect the pads routinely. Replace them if they get packed with dust and debris.
- Check that pumps are functioning and providing adequate water flow. Insufficient water flow reduces cooling capacity.
- Monitor water quality. Hard water forms a scale on the pads, while contaminated water is a magnet for bacterial growth.
Using evaporative coolers is an energy-efficient way to cool your barn. Doing such allows you to beat the heat without driving up energy bills.
Controllers
Controllers are essential components in a barn ventilation system. They are often considered the "brains" because they instruct fans when to activate. They can also adjust curtains and control inlets. To make sure that the controller works well, the first step is to check for minimum ventilation. Minimum ventilation means there is continuous ventilation, which is needed for maintaining clean, quality air.
Next, let the controller cycle through the stages. It will ensure the fans adjust correctly to produce the required airflow within the barn. Doing so will help you check that the appropriate fans turn on and off at each stage. It's essential to clearly understand the ideal temperature for each stage to prevent fans from constantly cycling on and off. You can even connect the system to a weather station to enhance ventilation efficiency and reduce electrical costs.
Inlets
Inlets are responsible for even air distribution in the barn. During the cold months, they help maintain a draft-free environment. As mentioned earlier, the controller instructs when to open and how much. You need to make sure the inlets follow this instruction. Also, check if the air can flow freely. To do this, see to it that nothing (like clogged eave inlets) is blocking the airflow.
Conclusion
Good ventilation cannot be understated—it is needed to maintain your animals' health and well-being. The secret to a well-ventilated barn is well-functioning parts. These include fans, sidewall curtains, evaporative coolers, controllers, and inlets.
For assistance with your ventilation system, contact us at AmeriWind. We have the skills and products to make sure your barn stays well-ventilated. With our help, you won't have to worry about your animals suffering from heat stress and other temperature-related issues.
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