New Livestock Shed

Summary

The video showcases the completion and functionality of a newly built cattle and sheep shed, a project years in the making. Constructed between May and October 2023, the shed measures 220 feet by 40 feet and features practical designs for feeding, water access, and livestock handling. The presenter demonstrates the adjustable head yokes for calves, feeding setups for sheep, and the benefits of the shed’s layout, including easier cattle movement and TMR (total mixed ration) feeding. With internal gates, concrete and hardcore flooring, and multiple doors, the shed significantly improves farm efficiency and animal management, making daily operations simpler and more effective.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shed project was planned over several years and construction began in May 2023, finishing by the end of October 2023.
• 😀 Shed dimensions are 220 feet long by 40 feet wide, designed primarily for cattle but adaptable for sheep.
• 😀 Steel prices influenced the decision to proceed with construction in early 2023.
• 😀 The shed features Yorkshire boarding at the back, concrete panels, and an open side for ventilation and accessibility.
• 😀 Self-catching head yokes were planned initially but later replaced with manually operated catch systems for feeding calves.
• 😀 Two large water troughs are installed for cattle, and separate drinkers will be added for sheep in each divided section.
• 😀 Three internal gates are arranged in a slight V-shape to improve structural strength and livestock movement.
• 😀 Two main sheet doors with smaller internal doors allow easy access for both daily operations and lamming time.
• 😀 Flooring is a combination of hardcore and concrete strips, particularly in high-traffic and feeding areas.
• 😀 The shed allows the use of a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for calves, combining silage, barley, and protein in one feed.
• 😀 The shed is multi-purpose, supporting both calves in winter and sheep handling in summer, improving overall farm efficiency.
• 😀 The project has significantly simplified livestock management, including feeding, handling, and movement within the shed.

Q & A

What was the timeline for the shed project?

The shed project began in May 2023 when the first digger arrived on site, and the shed was completed by the end of October 2023.

What were the initial challenges in building the shed?

The main challenge was fluctuating steel prices, which had to be carefully monitored. The prices had come down by early 2023, which encouraged the team to proceed with the build.

What are the dimensions of the new shed?

The shed is 220 feet long and 40 feet wide, a standard size for a cattle shed.

What changes were made to the head yokes after the initial plan?

Initially, the plan was not to have self-catching head yokes, but this was changed. The current system allows the head yoke to lock when a calf puts its head through, effectively holding it in place for feeding or other tasks.

How are the water facilities set up in the shed?

There are two large water troughs at either end of the shed for the cattle, and once the calves are moved out, separate water bowls will be installed in each divided section. There are also plans to install water facilities for sheep after the calves leave.

Why were two smaller doors added to the shed, and how are they used?

Initially, only one smaller door was planned for lambing time, but an additional larger door was added, which has proven to be very useful. It provides easier access for moving cattle in and out of the shed.

What is the purpose of the concrete floors in the shed?

The concrete floors, which are mainly laid in a 4-meter strip from the feed barriers outwards, are designed to support the calves while they feed. The shed will also be used for sheep handling, with the concrete base aiding in the smooth movement of animals.

What improvements does the new shed bring in terms of feeding?

The new shed allows for the use of a Total Mixed Ration (TMR), which combines silage, barley, and protein into one feed, providing easier access for the calves. This is a big improvement over the previous method where different feeds were given separately.

How does the feed system work for the calves in the new shed?

With the new shed setup, the TMR is mixed and provided to the calves ad libitum (as much as they want), ensuring they have constant access to a well-balanced diet, which should improve their health and growth.

What are the future plans for the shed in terms of infrastructure?

In the future, there is a possibility of adding more concrete to the shed, covering the entire floor, and perhaps expanding the water facilities. The team is also considering making further adjustments based on the shed's performance during its first season.