D. SREEKUMAR - Small Scale Livestock Production

Abbreviations

Appendix 1

Livestock Housing

Proper house is compulsory not only to protect the animals from the extremes of environment but also to get maximum production by them. It is better to have a less expensive and more comfortable house for animals.

Nomenclature of houses for various farm animals is as follows:

1. Dairy animals: Barn or Byre

2. Pigs: Sty

3. Rabbits: Hutch

4. Sheep and Goats: Pen

Housing requirements for animals vary with the species of animal as well as type or category like weaners, growers, breeders, dry animals, pregnant animals etc. The type and design of the animal house will vary according to the region / location. For example, in the plains the height of the building should be more for effecting good ventilation and in high altitude areas, the height of the house could be slightly less.

A good animal house should:

1. Provide warmth and comfort

2. Have adequate light and ventilation

3. Be convenient to clean and disinfect as and when required

4. Include good drainage facility

5. Provide safety (from injury, from escape)

6. Have separate provision for keeping animals of different categories and sick animals

7. Be labor efficient

1. What are the benefits of proper housing?

1. House provides protection and comfortable environment for optimum production

2. It facilitates workers attending on the animals

3. Affords protection to the animal from cold, heat, wind, rain etc.

4. Feeding and watering can be easily monitored (and controlled)

2. House structure

2.1. Foundation

A strong foundation is required for any shed.

2.2. Floor

The floor of the barn should be hard and non-slippery, impervious to water and easy to clean. Generally, it is made of cement concrete or by paving bricks.

2.3. Floor space recommendations

To calculate the dimensions of any building, it is mandatory that information regarding number, type and age of animals are available along with their respective floor space requirement. If there are any restrictions on length and / or width of the sty to be constructed, such information should be taken care of while the design is finalized. Similarly, if more than one building has to be constructed, location and separation distance between the buildings also have to be finalized on scientific norms.

2.4. Wall

Wall is the structure that supports the roof and should not absorb moisture. Wall is usually made of bricks and corners are to be rounded off.

2.4.1. Why?

Sharp corners would harbor pests and parasites such as ticks, lice, insects etc., which, in turn, can cause discomfort and/or disease(s) to the animals.

2.5. Roof

Should be strong, durable, weather-proof, bad conductor of heat and should not allow condensation of water toward inner surface.

2.5.1. Material for roof

Roof can be made of thatch, asbestos, tiles, PVC sheet or RCC. PVC sheet would be ideal for a barn to house a small herd as it would be cheap, light in weight and permits natural light inside. Since, only a small herd is taken into consideration in the present case, the roof could be of a single slope (Shed type house). For such a building, the supporting walls or posts should be higher on one side. Under rural conditions, farmers can even go for constructing a lean to type shed; where in the shed is alongside the home.

Double slope roof should be used in large sized barns, especially in double row sheds that are generally used to house more than 20 animals.

2.5.1.1. What is overhang and how much is recommended?

An overhang is the projection of the roof outside eaves to prevent water/ rain water seepage into the building. Generally, an overhang (0.9 to 1.2 m; 3 to 4 ft) is provided. The horizontal distance between tip of the overhang and the side wall should be at least 1 m (3.3 ft).

Caution: Seepage of rain water from the side wall without overhang may be a problem in shed type houses especially in medium and heavy rainfall areas.

2.5.1.2. What is Pitch and what is its purpose?

Pitch is the angle between Run and the roof at the eaves. Hence, pitch provides a gradient (25 to 33) in the roof to facilitate flow of rain-water.

2.5.1.3. Can the same pitch be employed for all types of roof?

No. If the roof is made of thatches, pitch should be at least 45 to ensure quick drainage of water especially during heavy rain and prevent seepage of water into the shed through the thatch material. With tiles, a pitch of 30 is generally advised. In case of aluminium sheets or asbestos, pitch as less as 5 to 10 also can serve the purpose.

Caution: Pitch < 45 in thatched roof buildings is likely to leak and/or give in due to weight of water during heavy to very heavy rain.

Note:

1. The pitch angle can be approximated as the ratio of rise to span times 100

2. In hot regions, it is preferable to paint the top surface of the roof white (to reflect radiant heat) and the lower surface, black

2.6. Manger

A trough or a box like structure used to offer feed and fodder to to animals is called a Manger. Rabbits are generally reared in cages or on litter; in either case, they require different type of feeding equipment which will be discussed under Section: Rabbits Chapter: Housing

2.6.1. What are the recommendations for manger?

1. Should be made of a hard, impervious material (preferably concrete)