Five Ways to Upgrade Your Barn for Happier Livestock

When operating a farm, taking proper care of the animals is of the utmost importance. Upgrading your farm’s barn is a great way to ensure your animals are comfortable and happy. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to upgrade your barn and create a better, happier, and healthier environment for your livestock. Read below to learn more!

Replace the Dirt Floor

Dirt is the most common flooring used in barns for several different reasons. Dirt floors are very simple to install, and their absorbent qualities make maintenance very simple. However, you should consider replacing your barn’s dirt floor for your animal’s sake because they are not very sanitary. 

Animals tend to go to the bathroom directly on the dirt floor. Over time, these byproducts will embed themselves deep into the dirt. This leads to the spread of germs and creates an unpleasant smelling environment. Even though dirt can absorb liquid materials, too much will create a muddy and unpleasant environment for the animal. Some animals can also dig through the dirt fairly easily. 

There are many dirt alternatives available for your barn floor. Stone, gravel, concrete, and specially built livestock mats or floors make excellent floors in barns. However, different types of animals may be more comfortable on specific floor types. Be sure to research the best floor type for your specific livestock.  

Automatic Feeding Systems

Many farmers upgrade their barns by installing automatic feeding systems. These systems are highly innovative and streamline the feeding process while providing benefits for the animals. With automatic feeding systems, animals always have easy and immediate access to a fresh food supply. This helps keep animals healthy and productive. Automatic feeding systems can even help identify healthy problems or sick animals early on because decreased appetite is a common symptom of various illnesses common among farm animals.

These innovative systems are not only beneficial for the animals. They help make the farmer’s job easier. Farmers do not have to take time out of their day to manually feed an entire herd and farms-worth of animals. Simply set up the machine and let it do the rest! Automatic feeding machines also have fairly simple cleaning and maintenance processes. 

Install a Ductless Mini Split

Temperature regulation and proper ventilation are very important in barns. Properly regulating the temperature ensures each animal is comfortable, while proper ventilation also helps with comfort and improves the air quality.  Installing a ductless mini split HVAC system is an excellent way to improve your barn’s ventilation while controlling the temperature. 

Ductless mini splits are a highly efficient air conditioner featuring an outdoor condenser connected to one or more indoor air handling units by copper wires and pipes. They are available in single or multi-zone systems; a single-zone system features one indoor unit connected to one outdoor unit, while a multi-zone system features multiple indoor units connected to the same outdoor unit. 

Single-zone systems are perfect for smaller barns while a multi-zone system is perfect for larger barns. Each air conditioner in a multi-zone system can be controlled independently of another, so you can change the temperature and airflow in each “zone” without impacting the others! This allows you to create different climate zones and meet the temperature needs of different animals in the same barn. 

Ductless mini splits also serve as air filters, purifiers, and dehumidifiers. They remove any harmful airborne materials such as dust, dirt, debris, and pathogens. They also remove any airborne moisture to deter mold and mildew growth. This helps improve the air quality, which leads to healthier and happier animals!

Barn Insulation

Ductless mini splits are not the only way to keep animals at a more comfortable temperature in your barn. Proper insulation is crucial in any building, but especially barns that house animals. Insulation prevents inside air from exiting and outdoor air from entering. Buildings with poor or no insulation are considered “leaky” and suffer from temperature imbalances. It also creates strain on any HVAC system because they must work harder to replace the escaped air. 

Insulation is very beneficial, as it leads to lower energy costs and creates a more pleasant indoor environment. Cellulose, cotton, and soy foam are three types of environmentally friendly insulation that would work perfectly for your barn. 

Waterproof Your Roof

The barn roof serves a very important purpose, as it is the first line of defense against the elements. A roof that is prone to leaks endangers the health and safety of the animals. Leaks can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, and long-term exposure to these harmful materials is very unhealthy not only for humans, but livestock as well. Leaks can also compromise the barn’s structural integrity. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to costly repairs and time consuming maintenance. 

There are several clear signs of a roof leak. You likely have a leak if you hear constant dripping or running water. You may also notice pools or puddles throughout the barn. Leaks also cause unsightly water stains and an unpleasant damp smell. You should take preventative measures to ensure your barn’s roof is sealed and protected against leaks. Coating your roof with a protective sealant is a common preventative measure. The sealant allows water to slide right off the roof without causing any damage! There are different sealants available for roofs of different materials, so be sure to explore all options when purchasing. 

If you are interested in upgrading your barn, be sure to research extensively beforehand. While the above upgrades will enhance any barn immediately, there are other options and ideas that may be better suited to your specific animals and barn situation. Your animals will surely thank you for any barn upgrades … if they could!