Dairy Barn Ventilation

Smooth airflow is more than just turning on a fan.

- Mark Moore

Cows are comfortable at lower temperatures and benefit from good airflow..

Proper dairy barn ventilation throughout the year helps ensure cow comfort, which can have a direct impact on production. But good ventilation in a barn, summer or winter, is much more than simply turning on a fan or opening a curtain. Good ventilation means airflow reaches the cows at their level.

In its most basic definition, ventilation is important to remove stale, noxious air and bring in fresh air. “Ventilation is just generally important for the health of the animal,” said Jennifer Van Os, assistant professor and Extension specialist for animal welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “We are well aware of the need for proper ventilation for young calves, but it’s also true for adult cows. We need to be sure that we are cycling in fresh air from the outside at a minimum rate per hour. That’s especially true in the summer, but it’s equally important throughout the year.”

Proper airflow is critical throughout a facility at a rate that benefits the cows.

Evaluating Your Facilities

It’s a bit simplistic to characterize ventilation as simply moving air in and out of the barn. Proper airflow throughout a facility at a rate that benefits the cows is critical. That’s because in any barn, airflow can be restricted or obstructed.