Barn ventilation

Bunt Skylights provides solutions focused on natural ventilation.
Fresh outside air enters through the side of the barn, and warm, dirty air is vented through the ridge.

The importance of barn ventilation

Good barn ventilation (e.g., in a pigsty, cow barn or stable) is critical to the well-being of your livestock. Without proper ventilation, a livestock barn will quickly become hot, stuffy and humid. This has several negative consequences for your livestock:

A warm or humid environment reduces feed intake in animals. This leads to lower milk production.
Animals’ temperatures rise, which can cause stress, restlessness and health issues such as milk loss and reduced fertility.
Livestock are more likely to get sick, as warm and humid areas provide ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply. Inadequate barn hygiene is a source of germs.
Reduced resistance in dairy cattle.
Increased ammonia formation, which impacts fertility in dairy cattle, among other things.

A fresh and dry barn climate contributes to the health and well-being of your livestock.

Signs of inadequate ventilation

If you are in doubt as to whether your barn ventilation is currently adequate, check for the symptoms below:

Condensation on the back of livestock;
Condensation on roofing sheets and rafters;
Rust on rafters;
Ammonia odour;
Mist in the barn;
Spider webs on purlins.

If you encounter these symptoms in your barn, the ventilation in your barn is not functioning properly.

Natural barn lighting

Bunt Skylights provides solutions focused on natural ventilation. Fresh outside air enters through the side of the barn, and warm, dirty air is vented through the ridge.

Many barns use horizontal ventilation, where the air “falls” onto the cattle. Ventilation at the top of the barn prevents this. Our ridge ventilation solution keeps your barns well-ventilated, regardless of wind direction.