Today I will share with you some key knowledge that you must know to successfully build a steel structure cowshed. I believe that after spending 10 minutes reading this article, you will have a clear idea of your cowshed plan.
The layout of a steel structure cowshed typically varies based on the scale of the farm, local climate conditions, and the feeding method. Common layout types include:
1. Single-Row Layout
Features: One side of the shed is for cow beds or pens, and the other side is used as an aisle or feeding trough.
Applicable Scene: Small-scale farms, suitable for free-range or scattered feeding.
Advantages: Takes up less space and has lower construction costs.
2. Double-Row Layout
Features: Two rows of cow beds or pens, with an aisle or feeding trough in the middle.
Applicable Scene: Medium and small farms, suitable for precise feeding and mechanized farming.
Advantages: Maximizes space utilization and facilitates centralized management.
3. Free-Range Layout
Features: Cows can move freely in an open space, with separate feeding and resting areas.
Applicable Scene: Large farms or natural grazing pastures.
Advantages: Provides more space for cows, improving their growth and health.
4. Corridor Layout
Features: Corridors are placed outside or between cow beds for feeding and cleaning.
Applicable Scene: Large or high-density farms.
Advantages: Suitable for mechanized operations with high feeding and cleaning efficiency.
5. Ventilation and Insulation Layout
Features: Designed with ventilation and insulation to regulate airflow and temperature within the shed.
Applicable Scene: Cold or hot climate zones.
Advantages: Effectively controls the internal environment for cow comfort.
6. Automated Feeding and Cleaning Layout
Features: Uses automated feeding and manure cleaning systems controlled by smart equipment.
Applicable Scene: Large-scale, modern farms.
Advantages: Increases efficiency, reduces labor costs, and maintains cleanliness.
7. T-shaped or L-shaped Layout
Features: Cow beds or pens are arranged in a T or L shape, suitable for specific terrain or farming needs.
Applicable Scene: Farms with complex terrain or limited space.
Advantages: Flexible design, adaptable to different site conditions.
When choosing a layout for a steel structure cowshed, economic factors are primarily reflected in construction costs, management efficiency, and operational costs. The double-row layout is often considered the most economical for the following reasons:
1. Reduced Building Expenses
Since a single central corridor serves both rows of cow beds or pens, the double-row arrangement makes better use of the available land than the single-row arrangement. This lowers the area needed for each cow, saving money on land and construction materials.
2. Increased Effectiveness of Management
By minimizing the number of aisles and facilitating centralized feeding and cleaning, the double-row arrangement lowers labor expenses by facilitating the efficient operation of mechanical equipment such as manure cleaners and feeding carts.
3. Fit for Farming with Mechanization
In medium-sized farms in particular, the double-row layout can assist save long-term operating costs because it makes installing mechanized equipment easier.
4. Easier Environmental Control
The double-row layout simplifies the design of proper ventilation and lighting systems, reducing energy consumption in extreme weather conditions and maintaining cow comfort.
5. Scalability
If expansion is required in the future, the double-row layout allows for easy addition of cow pens without major structural changes, reducing future expansion costs.
When considering initial investment, managerial efficiency, and long-term operational expenses, the double-row arrangement is typically the most cost-effective option for medium-sized farms. For smaller farms, a single-row plan can be a low-cost choice, although it may not be as space-efficient or cost-effective over time.
The choice of structural dimensions is critical when designing and building steel structure cowsheds since it has a direct impact on cow health, comfort, and agricultural efficiency. The following are common dimensional standards and important considerations:
1. Cowshed Height
Recommended eaves height: 3.5-4.5 meters.
Ventilation: The height must allow for enough ventilation, particularly in large-scale farms, to remove the heat and moisture produced by the cows.
Equipment Compatibility: The height should also allow for any large gear, such as feeding carts or manure cleaning equipment.
2. Cow Bed or Pen Dimensions
Width per cow bed ranges from 1.1 to 1.2 meters.
The length of each cow bed is typically between 2.2 and 2.4 meters.
Consideration: The size of the cow bed or pen should be altered according to the cow’s size (for example, adult cows or calves). Too small a bed reduces cow comfort, while too large wastes space.
3. Aisle Width
Aisle Width in the Cowshed: To accommodate machinery, main aisles should be 2.5 to 3 meters wide, with side aisles measuring 1.5 to 2 meters.
Consideration: Aisles must allow for easy flow of both cows and equipment to avoid crowding and trouble in operation.
4. Feed Trough and Water Trough Spacing
Feed Trough Length: Each cow needs about 0.6 to 0.8 meters of feed trough space.
Water Trough Placement: Water troughs should be evenly distributed, ensuring easy access for each cow. Typically, 10 to 15 cows can share a water trough that is about 1.5 meters long and of moderate depth for easy drinking.
5. Slope Design
Floor Slope: The cowshed floor should have a slope of 2% to 3% to facilitate drainage and cleaning. A steeper slope might make walking difficult for cows, while too little slope can cause water accumulation and poor hygiene.
6. Lighting and Ventilation Design
Lighting: Natural lighting should be provided by windows placed on both sides or on the roof. Typically, window area should be 1/10 to 1/15 of the cowshed’s floor area.
Ventilation Openings: Natural or mechanical ventilation must ensure proper airflow. In hot climates, skylights or exhaust fans may be necessary to release heat and regulate humidity.
7. Barrier Design
Barrier Height: Barriers between cow beds or aisles should generally be 1.2 to 1.5 meters high to prevent cows from escaping or fighting.
8. Wind Protection and Insulation Facilities
Winter Wind Protection: In cold regions, steel structure cowsheds should have windbreaks or insulation materials to maintain appropriate temperatures.
Summer Shade and Cooling: In hot regions, shade structures or misting systems should be used to prevent heat stress in cows.
9. Foundation Design
Requirements: The foundation should be sturdy enough to sustain the structure and endure wear and tear. To maintain stability, the foundation depth should be determined by the local soil conditions and cowshed size.
Key Considerations:
Structural Strength: The steel used in the cowshed must exceed load-bearing standards and endure weather variables such as wind and snow, particularly in difficult climates.
Anti-Corrosion Procedures: The cowshed’s damp atmosphere can erode steel components, thus anti-corrosion procedures such as galvanization or anti-corrosive coatings should be used to extend the structure’s life.
Non-Slip Flooring: To keep cows from slipping and injuring themselves, the cowshed floor should be composed of nonslip materials, particularly in feeding and water areas.
Hygiene: The design should include drainage and cleaning facilities to keep the cowshed dry and clean, lowering the risk of disease.
A steel structure cowshed can efficiently use resources while preserving the cows’ health and comfort if the proportions are carefully planned and detailed factors are addressed.
QHHK has successfully completed many cattle shed projects, such as the Japanese cattle shed, which is one of the most classic projects. We receive cattle shed demand inquiries from South Africa, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Colombia and other countries every week. Our designers and factory workshop workers have rich experience in cattle shed design and processing.
When choosing a cowshed type, consider your size, layout, climate, budget, and more.If you have no idea about these, please contact the project manager of QHHK Steel Structure. We will provide you with free consultation, construction plan and quotation based on more than 20 years of experience. We can provide you with one-stop service from consultation, design, manufacturing, transportation and installation guidance.
