A model of barn for the environmental sustainability of beef production

Problem Statement: For the evaluation of cattle production sustainability researchers should not fail to carefully appraise the animal welfare and health concepts. Conditions, these latter, which in turn are directly linked to the functionality and appropriateness of areas dedicated to the cattle breeding. The planning of a beef barn with criteria that reduce the risk for the development of diseases stress correlated can contribute to the decrease of drug treatment and to the environmental sustainability of livestock production. Aim of the present work is to identify a model of barn that could optimize the animal welfare and health condition increasing the environment sustainability of beef farming. Methods: In order to plan a farm building model for beef sheltering, architectural aspects that mainly affect animal welfare, health and sustainability parameters were taken into account. Spaces were planned to assure freedom of movement of animals, according to their physiological and ethological needs as recommended by Dir. 98/58/CE. The number and size of boxes and paddocks were prorated to the number of beef and functional groups reared. Spaces were designed in order to allow interaction and establishment of herd hierarchies. Given the influence of direct solar radiation on brightness and temperature, the mobility and insulation of walls was redefined. To fulfill the physiological needs (light/dark time period) and reduce behavioural atypias (aggressiveness), natural lighting was preferred. The natural ventilation system was planned to maintain an appropriate and constant microclimate into the shelters thanks to the control of air circulation, temperature, humidity and the abatement of toxic gases concentration generated from bedding. The selection of paving and bedding was based on their important role in decreasing foot injuries and respiratory diseases. The management of bedding has indeed a strong influence on a proper maturation of manure and gets to affect directly the cattle production sustainability. Results: The result of the project is a physical model of a beef barn (figure 1). Principle of functional planning of spaces, bioclimate and sustainability architecture, oriented to improve animal welfare and health, were applied to the stall design. The model has a longitudinal development on the east west axis, the south facing side can be completely opened, otherwise the north facing wall is closed and insulated with the stored straw. The building envelope is provided with a control system for solar radiation and ventilation (fixed and mobile protections) that can maximize the incoming solar radiation during the winter and can shade from the sun during the summer guaranteeing proper air circulation. The model is provided with mobile outwards opening and solar chimney for the ventilation. The building composition allows a good integration in the landscape. Conclusion: Thanks to a multidisciplinary approach, the research group has arrived to define a stall model that support a sustainable cattle production. Researchers with different expertise, veterinarians, architects and agronomist, worked together in order the propose a barn model that combine the economic requirements with the environmental sustainability and animal health.