Calf shed

Bazzer007

Building a calf shed and was thinking of putting a canopy on the top of the roof to improve ventilation. Have vented sheets along the sides, shed is 70ft by 24ft with a high pitch apex roof. It has buildings around it so not fully out in the open. Any input is very welcome as I need to decide this week. The shed will house 30 calves max at any one time. Will have two spare pins for overflow if required.

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058267882/calf-shed

Should be some example designs on Teagasc. And you can also check the Departmental regulations as well. I think they might have some specs. I don't think any modern animal housing wouldn't have a vent along the top ridge.

Bazzer007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119756508#Comment_119756508

Thanks for your input. I was all for the idea until my builder said he thought it best not to going by another farmers experience who removed the canopy. I'll print those guidelines and have a read.

Donald Trump

Those specs will tell you pitch of the roof and things like that as well. Obviously a guideline, but they'd be there for a good reason. Someone who put one up recently might give you better advice than me. I'm just giving general pointers. Air flow is even more important for calves what with pneumonia etc.

In general the idea is to have the air coming in at the sides above the animals and being "sucked up" and out the ridge vent to keep it circulating around. That is my understanding anyway. Vented sheeting might sometimes have been used in lieu of a ridge vent for some sheds maybe. Not sure about calves.

Grant specs probably require both for general animal housing. We put up a grant spec shed here for cattle nearly 20 years ago and had both.