Overview
Haines Beef Farm sought to improve air quality, livestock comfort, and operational efficiency in their barn. To achieve this, they installed eight 20’ Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS fans, aiming to reduce respiratory issues, enhance air circulation, and optimize resource usage.
Challenges
- High incidence of respiratory issues among backgrounded yearlings.
- Difficulty maintaining a stable internal temperature during extreme winter conditions.
- Moisture buildup leading to an overly steamy barn environment.
- Inefficiencies in bedding usage and stocking rates.
Solutions Implemented
- Installation of eight 20’ Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS fans to enhance air circulation.
- Adjusting airflow strategies, including running fans upward in winter to prevent direct drafts on cattle.
- Keeping barn curtains closed to reduce drafts and maintain a consistent internal temperature.
Results
- Reduction in Respiratory Issues: Only one backgrounded yearling required treatment for respiratory issues during the winter.
- Improved Air Quality & Comfort:
- Internal barn temperature remained 10 degrees warmer than the outside, compared to only a 5-degree buffer the previous year.
- Reduced moisture buildup, preventing excessive steaminess.
- Consistent air movement facilitated better ventilation, removing stale air efficiently.
- Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings:
- 12% reduction in bedding usage while increasing stocking rate by 8% per pen.
- More stable conditions led to fewer health-related interventions.
Client Testimonial
“We mainly feed backgrounded yearlings in this barn and have only treated one this winter for respiratory issues. Our herd health has been very good.” – John Haines, Haines Beef Farm
Key Takeaways
- Proper barn ventilation significantly enhances herd health and air quality.
- Strategic airflow management can lead to improved temperature control and moisture reduction.
- Investing in HVLS fans can drive measurable savings in bedding and increased stocking capacity.
- Maintaining a consistent, draft-free environment contributes to better livestock well-being and productivity.
The installation of Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS fans has proven to be a valuable investment for Haines Beef Farm, providing tangible benefits in air quality, cattle comfort, and cost efficiency.
To learn how Envira-North can help optimize your livestock facilities, visit enviranorth.com or call (519) 527-2198.
