Cow Barns - Reduce feed wastage, improve efficiency...
The REL Wintering Barn Design is protected by Copyright and MUST NOT be copied without first obtaining the written permission of Rakaia Engineering Limited.
Introduction
Rakaia Engineering Ltd. (REL) has for many years been heavily involved in the dairy industry with the building of dairy parlours, rotary platforms, yards and backing gates. They came to realise that there was a need in the market for well designed cow housing so, after a huge amount of research and development, Rakaia Engineering Ltd. now brings to the farming sector a style of cow house that is bright, spacious and adaptable to the requirements of the individual farmer.
After consultation with many in the industry on the requirements for a building that would address the issues faced by conventional barn design, REL contracted consulting engineers (Kirk Roberts Ltd) to design a structure from the ground up that would meet the needs of the progressive dairy farmer.
From this engineering approach has come a unique arched-style structure that has the ability to offer a clear span internal space if the client so chooses or the more traditional style with internal roof support posts strategically placed. With a 'pop top' style centre roof and the addition of clear sheeting panels to the main roof, no solid walls, the latest design in animal friendly plastic 'free stall' cubicles and hydraulically operated effluent scraper systems, the building is providing farmers with the latest in animal friendly environments.
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So as not to repeat the problems associated with conventional barn design and layout as reported by the industry, the design team spent many hours refining the structure with regards to ventilation, stall design, layout, laneway construction, bedding types, animal movement, feeding and the availability of drinking water not to mention the removal of effluent.
Great emphasis was placed on ventilation to ensure that the building was adequately designed to address the humidity levels irrespective of the barn being full of animals or not. Temperatures had to remain within acceptable ranges without the need for mechanical assistance. Other factors that were taken into account by the design team were condensation, eave and roof heights, air flow and the patterns associated with this - all of which have been addressed and overcome.
To read the ventilation report that supports the building design, please visit the Ventilation section.
Advice was sought from recognised industry leaders with regards to the cubicles and their layout. The need was for a 'free stall' cubicle that was strong yet posed no danger with regards to animal health, was adaptable in allowing for larger cubicles and was uncomplicated to install.
Visit our supplier's website www.cow-welfare.com to view the unique, cow friendly GreenStall Easy™ cubicle system.
Effluent disposal has not been neglected with the designs incorporating hydraulic scrapers - that push the effluent to one end of the building for collection in purpose built tanks, which in turn can then be connected to the effluent storage ponds.
The options offered in the gallery section are a good starting point but all options can be customised to meet the requirements of the individual farmer.
REL offers a full and comprehensive range of services with our barns from:-
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full ‘turnkey’ projects
project management
range of standard options
custom design options
barn construction
concrete works
free stall cubicle supply and installation
supply and installation of scraper systems
kitset options
export
To learn more about our 'free stall' barns please click the link below and one of our experienced sales team will be able to supply you with further information and options regarding your 'free stall' barn.
