Animal Livestock & Poultry Housing

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Publications

Ext. Mission

Applied Research

Training and Workshops

Dept. Extension Team

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CALS Extension NC Cooperative Extension extension

Design in Agricultural Animal Housing

Well-designed livestock barns are structurally sound and have effective environmental controls which improve animal performance and profitability of farms. Controlling barn environments involves having a good thermal environment, food dispensing system and an adequate system of waste management.

A good thermal environment achieves proper ventilation, heating and lighting for animal and workers comfort and safety. Food dispensing systems control animal feed and water quantity, quality, and availability. Controls for waste management protect animal and workers health by ensuring building surfaces are dry and clean and odors are reduced. Environmental control may also include controlling noise and other stress-producing factors.

Advancements in the design and management of livestock housing became possible due to the use of computers and solid-state controllers in animal production. Thus, engineering played a vital role in increasing the sustainability and productivity of livestock production systems.

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering extension program in this area is delivered through presentations and publications. These presentations are targeted toward livestock producers, integrators, allied industry representatives, and other clients.

Useful links:

• USDA Energy Estimator for Animal Housing This website will give you energy improvement tips, including savings based on your ZIP code.
• Extension Animal Housing Systems
• National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
• In-house composting of caged layer manure Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
• Rural Electricity Resource Council
• USDA NRS Energy Estimator