What type of flooring is best for these livestock buildings?

The choice of flooring depends on the species, but concrete pads or well-compacted hardcore are common for easy cleaning and drainage. Ensuring a slight fall in the floor prevents moisture build-up and keeps bedding dry for longer periods.

How is air quality maintained in a fabric-covered structure?

The design allows for excellent airflow through eaves and ridge vents, which prevents the build-up of ammonia and heat. This natural ventilation is far superior to traditional low-roof sheds, significantly reducing the risk of pneumonia in young stock.

Can the interior layout be changed after the building is installed?

Yes, because the interiors are clear-span with no central columns, you have total freedom to move gates and pens. This allows you to reconfigure the space for different livestock or storage needs as your requirements change over the seasons.

Do these buildings require significant maintenance over time?

Maintenance is very low compared to timber or tin sheds. The steel is galvanised to prevent rust, and the fabric covers are designed to resist UV damage and tearing. A simple annual check of the tensioning is usually all that is needed to ensure longevity.

Are these structures suitable for extreme wind or snow loads?

Yes, each building is engineered to meet specific site requirements, taking into account local wind speeds and snow probabilities. This bespoke engineering ensures the building remains secure even in the most exposed Australian rural environments.

Housing for cows: Reduce mastitis risk

Create a healthy and safe environment for your herd with housing designed to minimise mastitis, improve airflow, and ensure livestock well-being.

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Mastitis remains one of the most costly health challenges in UK dairy herds, with recent 2024/2025 data indicating an average of 26 clinical mastitis cases per 100 cows. Each case of mastitis can cost anywhere between £250 and £300 for treatment, discarded milk, and yield losses. For farmers, investing in appropriate housing for cows is a crucial strategy to reduce disease pressure and protect both herd health and profitability.

Well-designed housing for cows offers more than basic shelter; it directly influences hygiene, airflow, and livestock comfort, all of which are vital factors in controlling mastitis risk. Poorly ventilated, damp, or overcrowded barns increase bacterial exposure and stress, contributing to higher infection rates. Conversely, structures that prioritise airflow, drainage, and cow-friendly layouts can significantly reduce the occurrence of mastitis.

McGregor Agri Span provides modular, robust, and re-deployable livestock housing, purpose-built to support healthy, low-moisture environments. By implementing these housing solutions, farmers can safeguard animal welfare, improve milk quality, and mitigate the financial impact of mastitis, making a well-constructed shed an essential investment for modern dairy operations.

What are the key design elements of housing for cows that reduce mastitis risk?

Effective drainage systems

Water accumulation and damp bedding create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so well-designed drainage is essential. Floors should be sloped to allow urine, washwater, and rainwater to flow into properly designed channels or integrated drainage systems. Efficient water management ensures that lying and feeding areas remain dry, reducing the potential for udder infections. Proper drainage also simplifies cleaning routines and minimises slip hazards for cows and staff, supporting both animal welfare and operational safety.

Comfortable and hygienic bedding

The choice and maintenance of bedding material directly impact udder health. Soft, absorbent bedding such as straw, sand, or rubber mats provides cushioning and insulation while remaining dry and hygienic. Regularly replacing bedding reduces bacterial loads and prevents the risk of contamination. Comfortable bedding encourages cows to lie down for sufficient periods, improving circulation and overall health. Ensuring that cows spend time on clean, dry surfaces is a fundamental way to lower mastitis incidence and promote well-being.

Adequate space and cow density

Overcrowding in barns increases contact between cows and contaminated surfaces, heightening mastitis risk. Housing designs should allocate sufficient space for resting, feeding, and movement, allowing cows to exhibit natural behaviours without stress. Adequate separation prevents accidental injuries to udders, reduces competition at feed points, and supports even distribution of cows throughout the shed. By managing density effectively, farmers can reduce stress, maintain hygiene, and lower the incidence of mastitis across the herd.

Easy-to-clean surfaces

Walls, floors, and feeding areas should be constructed from smooth, flexible, and non-porous materials to facilitate thorough cleaning and sanitisation. Easy-to-clean surfaces allow staff to remove manure, spilled feed, and standing water efficiently, reducing the risk of bacterial build-up. Regular cleaning routines supported by appropriate housing design help maintain a pathogen-free environment, protecting cows from infections, reducing mastitis cases, and contributing to a more manageable and sustainable farm operation.

FAQs

What types of housing for cows are available?

Cattle housing varies depending on the herd size, type of livestock, and farming system. Common options include naturally ventilated barns, which allow fresh air to circulate freely; insulated or climate-controlled sheds for calves or high-value dairy herds; and modular fabric structures like McGregor Agri Span, which can be redeployed across multiple sites. Each type is designed to provide shelter from adverse weather, maintain hygiene, and protect animals from health risks such as mastitis. The choice often balances cost, flexibility, and animal welfare requirements.

What are the cattle housing space requirements in the UK?

UK guidelines recommend adequate space to ensure cattle welfare and prevent overcrowding. For dairy cows, each animal typically requires around 6.5 - 10.5 square metres in resting areas, with additional space allocated for feeding and movement. Beef cattle need slightly less per head but still require sufficient space to lie, stand, and move freely. Providing the right space helps reduce stress, limits the spread of disease, and encourages natural behaviour, all of which contribute to healthier animals and lower management costs.

What are the 3 main types of housing for cows?

Beef cattle are commonly housed in three main types of structures: open-fronted sheds, which provide shelter while maintaining natural ventilation; straw-bedded barns, offering comfortable lying areas and insulation; and modular or re-deployable fabric structures, which allow rapid deployment, flexible expansion, and easy relocation between sites. Each type has specific benefits for ventilation, hygiene, and ease of cleaning, helping farmers manage herd health and maintain growth rates while reducing risks like mastitis or respiratory disease.

How does McGregor Agri Span support farmers in reducing mastitis risk?

McGregor Agri Span combines robust engineering with thoughtful design to create livestock housing that actively reduces mastitis risk. Each feature contributes to a healthier, drier, and more comfortable environment, giving farmers peace of mind and protecting both animal welfare and productivity.

Modular construction for flexible herd management

Agri Span’s modular design allows farmers to expand or reconfigure barns quickly as herd sizes change. Adding bays or adjusting layouts ensures cows always have enough space for lying, feeding, and movement. By maintaining optimal density and reducing overcrowding, these structures help lower mastitis. Modularity also enables efficient hygiene management, as each section can be maintained independently.

Rapid deployment for immediate coverage

Constructed in just three to four days, Agri Span shelters provide immediate protection for cows in expanding or emergency situations. Rapid installation ensures livestock are quickly moved into a controlled, dry, and ventilated environment, minimising exposure to wet bedding and airborne pathogens. Fast deployment is valuable during seasonal weather changes or when additional herd housing is needed.

Re-deployable design for multi-site use

Agri Span structures require no permanent fixings and can be relocated as operational needs change. Farmers can move shelters between fields, sites, or farm units without compromising structural integrity. This flexibility ensures cows are consistently housed in optimal conditions, maintaining proper airflow, hygiene, and bedding quality, which all help reduce the risk of mastitis over time.

Moisture-controlled environment

Gable vents and tensioned side skirts regulate airflow, reduce condensation, and provide a waterproof barrier. Integrated deep-section gutters in multi-bay setups channel rainwater efficiently to drainage systems. By maintaining dry bedding and preventing water ingress, Agri Span shelters limit bacterial growth and ensure cows lie in hygienic, low-moisture conditions, reducing mastitis risk.

Robust structural protection

Specified and tested against European wind and snow load standards, Agri Span is built to withstand harsh weather. Strong, flexible structures prevent leaks, collapses, or drafts that could compromise bedding dryness or ventilation. By keeping the housing safe and stable year-round, Agri Span reduces environmental stress on cows and protects against conditions that can increase the incidence of mastitis.