For any livestock ventilation system, the transition from summer to fall and then to winter can pose a challenge. This is especially true for the natural ventilation system on your dairy. You are going from temperatures that have allowed your sidewalls to be fully open all day and night to conditions where you will see large swings in temperature over a 24-hour period.
Before reactivating your sidewall system, it is crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of the exterior components. Start by walking around the outside to check all operating hardware. Look for frayed cables, damaged pulleys and any signs of corrosion on moving parts. After completing this inspection, run your system from fully open to fully closed to ensure it operates smoothly. During this process, also inspect the fabric for rips, tears or holes that may need repair or replacement. it is much easier for your service team to replace curtain fabric during warmer weather, so addressing these issues now is preferable. If your system includes electric drive units and gearboxes, this is also the time to ensure all necessary lubrication is taken care of.
If your system operates automatically via a temperature-based thermostat controller, it is important to review and adjust your temperature set point as the seasons change. In the fall, the key to maintaining animal health is minimizing large temperature swings over a 24-hour period, as these fluctuations can cause more health issues than simply being too warm or too cold. For example, if the outside temperature starts at 4.5°C (40°F) in the morning, rises to 18.5°C (65°F) during the day and then drops back down overnight, setting your thermostat to approximately 10°C (50°F) can help stabilize the barn's internal temperature. As the days grow colder, you'll want to gradually lower the set point to manage temperature changes while maintaining sufficient air exchange to control humidity and ammonia levels. By the time winter arrives, your set point should be adjusted to the optimal temperature for proper winter operation.
If you are currently operating your system manually, it is worth considering an upgrade to a thermostat-controlled setup. You will notice a significant improvement in the quality of your barn’s environment, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and fall. If upgrading isn’t within your budget this year, I recommend installing a large-diameter dial thermometer over a stall area. This will give you a more accurate temperature reading to help guide your sidewall adjustments. Keep in mind that how you feel in the barn isn’t necessarily how your cattle feel regarding temperature.
These maintenance procedures are generally beneficial twice a year, so be sure to repeat them when transitioning from winter to spring. This includes adjusting your temperature set point upward as the days get warmer to help maintain a stable interior temperature.
If you find yourself short on time, as many producers do throughout the year, consider reaching out to a local ventilation company. They can arrange a maintenance service call and provide expert advice on proper controller setup.
By proactively managing your livestock ventilation system as the seasons change, you can ensure a stable, healthy environment for your animals year-round. Regular maintenance, thoughtful adjustments to your system and considering upgrades when possible will all contribute to optimal conditions in your dairy. Whether you handle these tasks yourself or enlist the help of a professional, taking the time to prepare your system for seasonal transitions is an investment in the well-being of your herd and the overall efficiency of your operation.
