Ensuring good functionality and animal safety are among the top objectives when planning a new cattle barn. Dennis Lee, farm product line manager for Morton Buildings, offers factors to consider in the design and building process to keep the barn operating efficiently and comfortably for animals and their handlers.

Building site – Select a site that provides easy access for trucks, trailers and equipment. The site should have a slope of 1 to 2 percent away from the building to provide good drainage. Proper drainage should be addressed before — not after — the building is constructed.

Barn size – When considering barn size, think beyond current needs. Take into account possible future growth of your operation and expansion needs, including additional storage space for things such as feed and medical supplies. Remember that livestock loading rate is a determining factor for your return on investment.

Ventilation – Proper ventilation is important in any livestock building. Options include ventilated curtains that allow walls to be open for maximum comfort; pen sidewall overhangs that supply incoming air to the continuously vented ridge; vent doors for when minimum ventilation and climate control are desired; and fan-powered cupolas that draw up stale air from the building’s interior and remove it through the vented sides.

Flooring – Cattle barns usually have gravel surfaces, but dirt or concrete are other options. Concrete floors should be heavily grooved to provide maximum traction for animals. For handling areas, consider rubber mats for added comfort.

Lighting – Try to provide as much natural lighting as possible to help keep animals docile, such as skylights or similar translucent lighting along the barn walls. LED fixtures can be used for supplemental lighting, but be sure they are vapor tight against dust and moisture intrusion.

Maintenance – An efficient barn design can help make cleaning and maintenance easier.  Consider sliding doors or large framed openings on end walls so skid loaders or small tractors can easily remove manure and soiled bedding. Modular pens that can break down when not in use are also an option. Even something as simple as pen gates that swing outward — so handlers don’t have to maneuver around them inside — not only facilitate cleaning, but also make pens safer for cattle and handlers.

Quality construction – Housing animals can be tough on a building, from daily wear and tear to the pollutants present in a cattle barn that can deteriorate materials. Quality of materials and construction methods is important to enable a livestock structure to withstand the daily demands put on it. Interior and exterior tongue and groove liners help protect livestock and prolong the life of your structures wherever animals have direct access to them.

“When designing a new cattle facility, the goal is to make it as efficient, comfortable and safe as possible on a daily basis,” said Lee. “That means having a well-constructed building with good lighting, plenty of ventilation and a focus on meeting all other needs of the animals and their handlers.”

Visit mortonbuildings.com/projects/livestock for additional information about livestock buildings.