A proper ventilation for a good performance of your livestock

By Patrick Dupuis, Agronomist

The proper ventilation of your buildings is essential to the good performance of your livestock.

Why a proper ventilation is so important?

Keep in mind the FLOW concept that was discussed in our column in the January/February issue of this magazine. Food, light, oxygen and water are the basic resources that your animals need, both in good quantity and quality.

“When it comes to ventilation, the main goal is getting fresh air into the barn and stale air out,” said Rick McBay, Natural Ventilation Specialist at Canarm AgSystems. “But there’s also more to it. The type of livestock and its density, the size and volume of the barn along with the air circulation inside are some of the factors that must be taken into account when engineering a ventilation system. Every situation has its specific characteristics, and we must consider all of them to ensure the greatest level of comfort for the animals.”

“We offer several types of ventilation equipment that will meet your needs. Here are some of our options,” said Rick McBay.

1. Standard fans

Standard fans are suitable for all types of spaces that need to be ventilated. Easy to install, efficient and low maintenance, these fans combine innovative and quality design with affordable prices. They are energy efficient and available in one-, two- and multi-speed models.

Quiet and reliable, the 8-inch and 10-inch models come with two speeds. The 12- to 48-inch models have one-, two- and multi-speed options.

For added safety, all standard fan models come fully assembled.

2. 54-inch panel fans

Heat stress has negative effects on the comfort, fertility, feeding and productivity of livestock.

To ensure the well-being of your animals, you need to maintain proper air circulation in your barn. A good option is the Canarm 54-inch panel fans, which are ideal for dairy cow cooling.

These quiet, inexpensive fans have three plastic or six stainless steel paddles and can be easily mounted on walls or hung on posts in barns. They can supply 28,000 to 36,000 CFM of air distribution.

3. Basket-type circulation fans

Highly efficient and corrosion-resistant, these 20-, 24- and 30-inch fans have variable speeds and air distribution capacities of 6500 CFM, 8500 CFM and 11,000 CFM, respectively.

They are ideal for all agricultural applications and can be mounted on walls, ceilings and even overhead joists. The fans can pivot down and swivel left and right for precise airflow control.

They should be installed to circulate air from the inlets towards exhaust fans and all other areas of the barn to remove stale air pockets.

These fans meet all the requirements of the agricultural sector for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor.

4. Round portable fans

These two-speed, high-velocity fans with diameters of 24 inches or 36 inches are sturdy, easy to move and affordable to use. They are capable of efficiently circulating very large volumes of air. They can also be easily mounted to your ceiling with an adapter, if needed.

For all your ventilation needs, visit your local Agrizone dealer to receive a quote. Our experts will be happy to assist you and advise you on the right choice of fans for your barn. Our teams work with Canarm to ensure the well-being of your animals.

Do you have specific needs or want more advices?

Contact us by email or visit your local Agrizone dealer.