Housing Requirements
Session 2 - Requirements of Good Livestock Housing
This resource is suitable to support Level 2 Agriculture courses.
Feed and Water in Livestock Housing
Clean fresh water must be provided for housed livestock.
Systems will vary:
The facilities must be checked, cleaned and maintained regularly.
Trough Types
It is important that the water system is suitable for the type and number of animals housed, and that water bowls and troughs are sited to minimise the risk of freezing or contamination.
Trough Space
When animals are fed on limited quantities of concentrates there must be enough space at the troughs for them all to be able to feed at once without stress and bullying.
Ad Lib Feeding Face Requirement
If the animals are going to be fed on an ad lib basis (taking turns at the feeder) then the space allowance per animal can be reduced; sheep require 10-12 cm per head of trough length for hay or silage feeding ad lib.
Lighting
The requirements are similar for both sheep and cattle; there must be enough lighting available (portable or fixed) for the housed stock to be inspected at any time.
Natural vs Artificial Light
During daylight hours, there must be enough light in the buildings (either natural or artificial) for the stock to be seen clearly.
Emergencies
There should be plans in place to deal with emergencies such as fires. Plans should address issues such as how to release livestock quickly and safely.
Power and Water
Consideration must also be given to loss of water or power supply, in intensive systems which rely on power for ventilation and temperature control even a short break in the power supply can lead to a rapid worsening of the animals’ environment.
