Cattle Housing: Best Guide For Beginners & 21 Tips

Living place or house of cattle is simply known as cattle housing. Good housing is required for raising cattle. Because suitable shelter or housing is needed for keeping the cattle safe from predators, storm, rain, sun, hot temperature, excessive cold climate and other adverse weather conditions.

The cattle also need to be kept inside the house if you do not have sufficient amount of grazing place. So you must have to make a good house for your animals.

You can make cattle housing or mini dairy farm by using proper plan and your local available facilities. This will ensure more profit by investing little capital.

Cattle Housing Construction

Cattle house are constructed depending on weather condition, geographical position and economic condition. Cattle housing design varies from region to region.

So there are no proper cattle housing design which are appropriate for rearing cattle worldwide. Farmers of different countries make different types of cattle house which are suitable for them.

cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

On an average cattle house are of two types. Open housing method and fixed cattle housing method.

Open Housing Method

In open cattle housing method, cattle are kept inside the house for whole day except milking and delivery time. But in adverse weather conditions like storm, rain, hot or cold, they are moved to a safe place.

A cattle needs about 3.5 to 7 squire meter place in open cattle housing method. This type of houses are suitable for big sized calf and non milk productive cattle. Almost all types of animal can be kept in this house.

Open housing is suitable for all locations throughout the world. But the design of the house can be different depending on the excessive hot or cold areas.

Fixed Housing Method

In this method the cattle are tied up with rope and the rope obstructed with a pillar. Feeding and milking process done in the same place. Try to clean the house regularly and make the house in such a way which is very comfortable for the cattle. Fixed cattle house are of two types. One row and two row cattle house.

  • One Row Cattle House: This type of houses are suitable for little number of cattle. Make the house according to the number of your cattle. A cattle needs about 165 cm standing place, 105 cm side place and 75 cm feeding pot. Make partition with iron pipe to separate the cattle from one to another. The partition pipe needs to be 90 cm long and 45 cm in height.
  • Two Row Cattle House: This type of houses are suitable for commercial cattle farming business. The animals can be kept in both face to face and opposite to each other system. In face to face system, cattle are kept in two rows faces to each other. Food pot are kept between the two cattle row. In this system the cattle need about 5.5 feet standing place and 3.5 feet place in side. In opposite to each other method, cattle are kept in two rows. Their mouth faces to outside. Keep about 4 feet place between the two row. In this method each cattle will require about 5.5 feet place.

Keep the cattle house dry and clean always. Remove the excreta from house frequently. Do this at least twice a day. If the house become unhealthy and damping, then the cattle will get affected by various types of diseases easily.

So it will be better if you make concrete floor inside the cattle housing system. Don’t make the floor slippery. Make a drainage system inside the house to clean the house properly.

Best Cattle Housing Tips

Do the followings while making house for your cattle.

  1. The selected place for housing will be higher than other places surrounding the house, so that you can easily remove rain water and other materials.
  2. Soil of the selected place will be enriched with sand and must have to be dry always.
  3. Ensure entrance of sufficient air and light inside the house. Because sunlight helps to dry the house and help to prevent germs or virus.
  4. South faced houses are very comfortable for the cattle.
  5. It will be better if the houses are not surrounded by many trees.
  6. Don’t let the house to damp anyhow.
  7. Make a proper drainage system inside the cattle house, so that you can easily remove dung and trash. Both dung and trash are suitable place for mosquito, flies and other parasites or virus and your cattle can get affected by various types of diseases easily.
  8. You can make a simple cattle house by using bamboo pillar, straw and roof of leaves.
  9. You can also make the house by using tree pillar and with a roof of metal sheets. In this system, you have to make a ceiling under the roof to keep the cattle free from hot temperature.
  10. It will be better, if the houses are surrounded by bamboo or net fence made with strong wire.
  11. Keep 5 squire meter space per cattle inside the house.
  12. Keep a separate place for rearing calf.
  13. Don’t make the floor of the house smooth.
  14. Always clean the floor and never make it slippery.
  15. Make the house in such a way so that it become a safe and suitable living place for the cattle.
  16. The height of the house will be about 9 to 10 feet.
  17. Always keep sufficient amount of drinking water inside the cattle housing system.
  18. Keep some free space inside the house for freely movement of the animals.
  19. Try to keep the house dry, neat and clean always.
  20. Keep the dung and trash of cattle in a separate place, slightly far from their house. These materials can be used as fertilizer in the crop field.
  21. Make proper supply of fresh and clean water inside the cattle housing system. Also ensure a good water source for washing the cattle, house, equipment etc.
cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

Related Queries & FAQs

There are lots of questions and queries related to cattle housing. Here we are trying to list the common questions and queries about this popular topic and trying to answer them. Hope you will find answers of your questions or queries. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Beef cattle housing

Beef cattle housing is an essential aspect of raising healthy and productive cattle. Adequate housing provides shelter from harsh weather conditions, prevents the spread of disease, and promotes overall animal welfare.

When designing beef cattle housing, it’s important to consider factors such as ventilation, drainage, and lighting. The housing should be spacious enough to allow for free movement and comfortable resting areas.

Bedding material should be clean and dry, and manure management systems should be in place to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of disease.

Proper beef cattle housing is crucial for the health and well-being of your herd, and can ultimately lead to improved productivity and profitability.

Beef cattle housing requirements

Beef cattle housing requirements vary depending on the climate and the size of the herd, but there are some basic requirements that apply to all operations.

Beef cattle require a dry, well-ventilated area that protects them from harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.

The housing should provide enough space for the cattle to move around freely and have access to clean water and feed.

Adequate drainage systems should be in place to prevent the accumulation of manure and other waste, which can lead to disease and health problems.

Beef cattle housing types

There are several types of beef cattle housing, including open lots, feedlots, and confinement buildings. Open lots provide outdoor space for cattle to roam and graze, but can be susceptible to harsh weather conditions.

Feedlots are designed for intensive feeding and are often used in commercial operations, but require strict management to prevent the spread of disease.

Confinement buildings provide a controlled environment for cattle, with ventilation systems and temperature control, but can be expensive to construct and maintain. The type of housing chosen will depend on the size of the herd, the local climate, and the specific needs of the operation.

Cattle housing requirements

Cattle housing requirements are important for the health and welfare of the animals. Housing should be designed to provide shelter from extreme weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and heat, and should also provide adequate ventilation to reduce humidity and prevent the spread of disease.

Cattle require a dry, clean environment with ample space for them to move around and access food and water. Proper drainage is also important to prevent the accumulation of waste materials and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Cattle housing space requirements

Cattle housing space requirements are based on the size and weight of the animals. The amount of space required per animal depends on the type of cattle, their age, and their weight.

For example, a mature dairy cow requires around 100 to 150 square feet of space, while a feeder calf requires around 60 to 100 square feet.

cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

Cattle should also be provided with enough space to move around freely and access food and water without competition. Adequate space helps to prevent the spread of disease and reduces the likelihood of injury due to overcrowding.

Cattle housing types

There are several types of cattle housing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Open barns provide protection from the weather while allowing the animals to roam freely, but can be difficult to keep clean.

Freestalls are individual pens that allow cows to lie down and stand up without being disturbed by other animals, but require more maintenance. Confinement buildings offer climate-controlled environments for the animals and allow for easier manure management, but can be expensive to build and maintain.

The choice of cattle housing will depend on factors such as climate, herd size, and management style. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for the animals.

Cattle housing ventilation

Cattle housing ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for the animals. Adequate ventilation helps to regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and heat stress.

Ventilation systems should be designed to allow for the exchange of fresh air while removing stale air, moisture, and odors. Natural ventilation systems such as open sides, ridge vents, and eaves provide some degree of air exchange, while mechanical systems such as fans and vents can be used to increase airflow.

Properly designed and maintained ventilation systems help to ensure the health and welfare of the animals, leading to improved productivity and profitability for the operation.

Dairy cattle housing

Dairy cattle housing is a critical component of managing a successful dairy operation. Housing should be designed to provide comfortable and clean living conditions for the animals, while also facilitating efficient management practices.

Common types of dairy cattle housing include freestalls, tie-stalls, and open lots. Freestalls are individual pens that provide space for the cows to lie down, stand up, and move around, while tie-stalls are individual stalls where cows are tethered.

Open lots provide an outdoor environment for cows to graze and move around. Housing should be designed to promote cow comfort and health, while also allowing for easy access to food, water, and milking equipment.

Good housing practices can lead to improved milk production and herd health, ultimately benefiting the profitability of the operation.

Cattle housing system

Cattle housing systems are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the animals, while also facilitating efficient management practices.

Housing systems vary depending on the type of cattle, the size of the herd, and the local climate. Common types of cattle housing systems include freestall barns, open lots, feedlots, and confinement buildings.

Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of system will depend on factors such as the cost of construction, availability of resources, and management style.

Properly designed and maintained housing systems can help to reduce the risk of disease, improve animal welfare, and increase productivity, ultimately leading to increased profitability for the operation.

Cattle housing design

Cattle housing design is a critical aspect of creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment for the animals. Design considerations include the size and layout of the building, materials used for construction, lighting, ventilation, and access to feed and water.

The design should promote animal welfare by minimizing stress, reducing the risk of injury, and providing ample space for the animals to move around. Good design also facilitates efficient management practices, such as manure management and feeding.

The design should be adaptable to the needs of the herd, as well as the local climate and environmental conditions. Proper cattle housing design can lead to improved productivity, health, and profitability for the operation.

Cattle housing layout

The layout of cattle housing is an important consideration when designing a safe and efficient environment for the animals. The layout should provide ample space for the animals to move around and access feed and water without competition.

cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

The placement of gates, alleys, and feed bunks should be designed to promote efficient management practices, such as grouping and separating animals for feeding or milking.

The layout should also promote good ventilation and natural light, while minimizing the risk of injury or stress to the animals. Good layout design takes into account the size of the herd, the type of cattle, and the local climate and environmental conditions.

What is the best housing for cattle?

The best housing for cattle depends on various factors, such as the size of the herd, the local climate, and the management style. Generally, the best housing should provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for the animals.

Freestall barns are a popular option for dairy cattle, as they allow cows to move around and lay down comfortably. Open lots can be a good choice for beef cattle, as they allow for grazing and movement in a natural environment.

Confinement buildings with proper ventilation and lighting can be a good choice in extreme climates or for high-density herds.

What is the place where cows are kept called?

The place where the cows are kept is called cattle house or barn.

What is the best housing for cows?

Some best housing system for the cows are:

  • Former dairy barns
  • Hoop barns
  • Open sided, single slope roof shed etc.

How are beef cattle housed?

The beef cattle are generally reared outdoors on grasses for the first part of their lives in United States. Although, most of the beef cattle are brought indoors or fattened on grains in crowded feedlots before slaughter. And they are generally housed in cramped conditions on slatted floors.

What is the best housing for dairy cattle?

Open house with adequate flow of clean air and sunlight is considered best house for the dairy cattle.

What habitat do cattle live in?

Cattle are found in a variety of habitats (such as tropical, temperate and terrestrial habitats) throughout the world.

Do beef cattle need a barn?

Yes, they need! Although, shelter requirements of the beef cattle is only minimal.

How much housing space do you need for 2 cows?

Depends on the breed you have. Having around 40 square feet housing space available per cow will be enough in most cases.

What are the types of cattle housing system?

There are many different types of housing system available (such as conventional barn, loose housing, free range system etc.).

cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

What is the name of cow house in English?

A cow house is simply called a cow-house or cow-shed.

What are the housing requirements for cattle?

Sufficient flow of clean and fresh air, adequate light, clean environment, comfortable, enough space available per animal, safe from adverse weather, safe from predators.

Why is cattle housing important?

Cattle housing is very important for keeping the cattle safe and comfortable. And a safe and comfortable house ensures good production.

Can cattle stay outside in winter?

Yes, most of the cattle are cold hardy and can freely graze outside.

How many cows can you have on 5 acres?

If you depend only on grazing, then having 5 cows in 5 acres will be good.

cattle house, cattle housing, cow house, dairy cow housing, beef cattle housing, housing for cattle, cattle housing system, best cattle housing

Do cattle need shelter from rain?

Yes, it will be better if you can arrange a shelter for your cows to protect them from rain.

What is face in housing system of cattle?

In large scale or commercial cattle farming system, the animals are are kept in two system. Either the cows face out which is called tails to tail system or face in which is called head to head system.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top