WHY VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT IN DAIRY FARMS

For fifteen years or so, due to a number warm periods increasing, farmers are aware animals need comfort provided by adapted ventilation.

 

Optimal temperature for dairy cattle is under 18°C. Above, they start to be stressed and they spend energy to cool down themselves instead of producing milk.

 

This period, coming each year during summer means production loss for animals and so incoming loss for farmer. Hot temperature touches animals during the day but it also impacts long term production of milk. A decreasing curve is hard, even impossible to change going up. It usually returns to normal when a new milk production cycle is starting.

 

Fertility is also touched and it is proven inseminations are less effective during these hot periods than usually. Pregnancy is not coming as scheduled, production and cattle management is impacted and it goes again to a lack of production.

 

Solution is to improve animals well being by installing a ventilation system which will create an air flow and a comfortable feeling. Speed is variable acording to temperature. Air movement needs to be fast enough to be perceived but not too much to stay pleasurable, mainly when temperature is not very high.

 

A fan installation adapted to the building and animals inside will reduce thermal stress and so decreasing of milk production. It also dry floor and atmosphere and homogenise air to have low temperature differences. Conditoons aremore agreable for farmer to work in the building.

 

Against hot temperature, ventilation might not be enough. Ideal complement is misting. Adding humidity in air with nozzles fixed directly on fans to air flow will create a cool feeling very nice when temperature is going up. Humid air in movement will not drop on floor or on litter but stay suspended.

 

A controller with temeprature and humidity sensors can vary fans speed and start or stop misting system. Atmosphere stay enjoyable during hot periods but is not unpleasant when temperature is decreasing or humidity become too high. Animals and farmers can give their best.