Construction of prefabricated frame and awning cowsheds is one of the best versions. Modern technologies for construction of the cowsheds, inexpensive foundations, short construction time, low material consumption of the structure, possibility of using a leasing payment scheme-all this will minimize construction costs.
There are no restrictions on operation of a frame and tent cowshed in terms of ambient temperature.
Today there are dozens of frame-and-awning cowsheds that serve as a shelter for from thirty thousand up to two hundred thousand bulls at a time in North America: in the United States and Canada. Winter and -40 grade frost rule in these places six months long each year. This business is thriving despite the fact that the cost of both feed and labor is much more expensive than in the Russian Federation.
The prefabricated frame and awning cowsheds pay off much faster due to the significantly lower initial cost compared to capital buildings, while the construction of cowsheds is 3-5 times cheaper.
For example, it takes 40-45 business days to produce steel structures and awning of a pre-built cowshed with an area of 2000 sq. m. and it takes maximum 30 days to install them. The works can be performed by the manufacturer or a customer under the manufacturer's supervision (installation supervision).
An important component in increasing the economic efficiency of cattle breeding is to create the best conditions for animal housing.
The amount of milk received directly depends on the level of lighting - this is a fact proven long time ago. Frame and awning structures make it possible to create a unique environment that provides not only brighter lighting, but also better ventilation for a more comfortable and due cattle breeding. A higher level of cattle health, higher milk yields, longer milking times, lower operation costs and building maintenance costs-all this makes it possible to increase revenue.
Frame and awning cowshed for loose keeping of cattle is a non-heated structure consisting of a load-bearing steel frame and a covering made of awning, which gives the entire structure the strength of a monolithic structure. The tent fabric covering used allows sunlight to pass through and lets work without additional lighting during daylight hours. The most cost-effective and frequently used structure for a cowshed is a hangar with a gable roof.
The service life of the frame is 25 years, the warranty period of the tent is 10-15 years. The owners are relieved of the need to bear the costs of repairing structures during this time.
We take into account ventilation first of all when designing cowsheds as the most important factor in keeping the cattle. The cows feel comfortable in a wide temperature range from +15C to -20C, if the resting places are protected from wind and precipitation, comfortable and dry. When properly fed in a well-ventilated area, they only slightly reduce milk yield when the temperature drops.
Lifting side curtains (manually or electrically operated) help to adjust the temperature regime, to ensure the flow of fresh air into the room. There is a ventilation opening provided in the ridge along the entire length of the structure as an exhaust system. The opening can be protected by the canopy top to prevent precipitation. The farmers in Canada and the United States do use any ventilation and light ridges, and the ridge slot is usually left open in the severe climate conditions of North America. Rain or snow falls through the opening on the feed road, but it simplifies the design of the building, reduces the cost of its construction and operation.
If the housing is loose, it is reasonable to use bedding with a laying depth of 0.5 m. consisting of straw, sawdust, bedding peat and other materials that create a soft and warm bed.
It is reasonable to keep milking cows in stables. The required number, size and location of farm gates are determined depending on the technological scheme for installing the stall equipment. The ends of the cowshed are equipped with swing gates for entrance of vehicles that distribute feed to the feed table, the gates can be awning or metal, sectional, sliding or swing gates. Passageways for dairy sludge removal can be designed at the customer's request.
The advantages of light and modern structures with awnings are:
Energy saving:
Tent coverings let in a large amount of natural light due to their transparency.
Frame and awning structures require artificial lighting by more than two times less than traditional buildings do. They are independent of electrical networks thanks to natural light. No artificial lighting is needed even in cloudy weather during the day. Electric lamps with a power of several thousand watts would be required in order to provide any building made of steel structures with the same bright lighting as in frame and tent facilities.
Comfort:
The tent cover serves as a kind of barrier that protects the air inside the building from heating under the influence of sunlight due to the low thermal conductivity. The tent cover does not let heat come inside the room unlike steel structures. The snow-white coating does not heat up, UV inhibitors provide protection from harmful effects of sunlight and extend the life of the awning. Frame-tent structures have a larger internal volume and contain more air, so that warm air rises to the roof and gradually rises to the ceiling, completely leaves the room, and the temperature remains lower at the bottom of the room.
Quality:
The structures are designed for long and reliable operation and are assembled from the highest quality components. Roof arch structures made of structural steel pipes made retain their strength and structural integrity in any climatic conditions, which ensures the strength and reliability of the building. For the Northern territories, 09G2S frost-resistant steel grade is used in manufacture of structures. Coverings made of high-strength woven membrane film require almost no maintenance and are resistant to any type of damage.
Leakage resistance: Thousands of fasteners fix the roof of steel structures and these fasteners get loosen some time later. This means that there are thousands of holes and seams through which water can get inside the building and air can get out. The awning is completely impermeable to air and water, so the building is reliably protected from leaks and water seepage. All structures are equipped with one-piece awnings, all longitudinal connecting seams have a double overlap and are completely sealed, while the system of stretching the awning is located inside the building. The frame and awning structures are 200% more airtight than traditional structures. Corrosion resistance: Unlike metal roofs, awning coverings are not subject to corrosion under the influence of water and air. When used in severe corrosive environments (for example, when storing salt or located in close proximity to salt water), our designs have a longer service life. Multifunctionality: The lack of internal supports lets use the internal space in the best way, and the modular design helps to expand buildings as your business develops. Frame and awning buildings are used for almost any purpose, from storing sand to raising livestock; as riding arenas, automobile workshops, aircraft storage hangars, and entertainment halls. Easiness of assembling: All structures are designed to be assembled from ready-made modules and are characterized by quick assembly. It takes about two weeks to construct 1500m2 structure. The hangars with the width of up to 30 meters can be installed without a foundation, directly on the asphalt-concrete surface by using anchors. Literature: Khodanovich B. Cold Breeding of Dairy Cows. Animal Husbandry Of Russia, M., Special Release, 2010 Heitmuller H. If It Is To Build, Then Build In A Modern Way! New Agriculture, Special Release Modern Dairy Farms, 2007.
