Saturday, October 1, 2011

Housing Cattle Using Affordable Materials - Vital Tips When You Start Cattle Farming

By Tim R Smith


In designing a farm house for housing cattle, farmers should consider the location of the farm where there is ample water supply, an abundant supply of forage and hay, and easily accessible equipment and machinery. Cattle are, of nature, animals with hierarchies, therefore giving them separate stalls with fences and gates are a requirement. Materials like wood and steel or lumber can make for durable yet cheap building supply. Things to remember:

1. Housing cattle should also include big feedlots and fences surrounding the vicinity which can be made of materials such as straw or bamboo. Add bushes to obscure the farm from other outside elements or animals.

2. If farmers are thinking to build a closed shed farming house, then ensure there is plenty of ventilation by installing a sturdy door made of tree wood or any scrap metal, windows with shutters, and lots of hay.

3. Cattle need to socialize to, so do remember to put the same breeds in pens together and also supply them with haystacks for rest and relaxation. Cows need a lot of time to rest to be able to bring about more milk during lactation period.

Make sure that there is water supply inside the house during winter months, and also during drought or summer season when the weather is too hot for the cattle to go out of the house.When building a farm house for cattle and any other farm animals, there should be a regard for their protection from the sun, too much heat, rain, and during winter months. During winter, it is advisable to put improvised door panelling to seal in the warmth of the house, and keep windows shut.

Farm House Levels

Other farm houses that are developed for housing cattle have levels inside where cows and other heavier animals can stay on the bottom floor and the lighter animals such as the chickens or roosters can occupy the second floors, much like a loft style farm house. Using this way, space is maximized and there is room to put enough feedlots in the center and a place for cows to socialize and rest.

Cattle farming involves designating a feeding area where there is enough light, ventilation, and enough hay and grains for feeds, and water supply. The feeding area is also one of the most crucial parts of the farm house. A small well or water faucet will suffice if the feedlots are subdivided into the different breeds of cattle and different animals in the farm.




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