Reasons for active ventilation in the barn:
Controlled cooling/warming of the animals
Leads off heat emitted by animals
Removes ammonia gas, humidity and stale air
Air circulation reduces the number of insects
Removes germs, virus, bacteria, fungal spores
Prevents mould growth
Prevents disease
Protects employees
Heat recovery in winter
Ensures vital air change
Reduces dust, hairs, dander, etc.
Prevents stress from heat, ensuring stable milk yield
Improved fertility / life
Animals feel well, low stress

Bad interior air condition results in disease, unusual behaviour, low fertility and performance as well as increased mortality of embryos. 

 Climate in the barn

The airflow rate required from the ventilation system depends on several parameters, for example the construction of the building (insulted/not insulated), climate of the region, size and heat released by the animals. Depending on the species other factors must be considered as well: Poultry disperse dust and loose feathers, pigs cannot tolerate draught, cows already experience physical stress due to heat starting from temperatures of 20°C. Young animals like calves have a lower weight and can handle higher temperatures in the loafing area, however they are more susceptible to overheating. riding horses require temperature by about 2°C higher than dobbins in order to feel well. Each species should receive the air circulation, temperature, relative humidity, concentration of harmful gas and lighting it needs. An adjustable fan control (accessory) is another necessity.

Types of fans suitable for agriculture

There are various options concerning ventilation appliances and their installation. The airflow and throw distance of the fans must be adequate for the building to prevent insufficient performance. For example, the fans near sleeping and feeding areas should cool without drying out the food. If wall-mounted or inline fans are applied, the width of the building must be sufficient. An energy consultant will help plan the layout with regard to electricity costs and gain. 

Where are the fans applied in agriculture?

• Barn, milking parlour, silo, warehouse, shelter
• Livestock breeding, mast
• Stored foodstuffs
• Fan with UV light used as flykiller in the farm’s shop, store, counter

Fans in agriculture and livestock farms have to deal with more challenging conditions than fans for residential purposes: Chemical pollution due to gas, humidity, dust and dirt, bristle, feathers, dander and scattered food must be kept away from the motor by a reinforced housing. Sealed and stainless bearings made of steel or aluminium withstand changes in temperature, spraying water and mist. 

Seeing that fans are operating full-time during the summer months, the following factors are taken into consideration along with the purchase price and service life:

Decisive factors:
Power consumption, efficiency
Noise development
Air circulation in the entire room  

Several ceiling fans vs. single large fan

Axial-flow fans for industrial and agricultural purposes can reach diameters of up to seven metres. One large fan creates a strong air circulation near the motor, however the airflow diminishes over a longer distance. In spacious buildings there will be a risk that corners and walls are not ventilated sufficiently due to the lack of airflow. Several ceiling fans that are positioned all over the room ensure harmonious movement and ventilation.

The smaller ceiling fans suitable for industrial application (diameter ranging from 1.2 to 2 metres) are equipped with a protection against ingress by foreign bodies and water and provide a high airflow rate while consuming little power. Models in our creoven shop for example require a maximum of 85 Watts on high speed and reach an airflow rate of 22,050m³/h (NORDIK HEAVY DUTY IP55). These ceiling fans can be connected to TDA controllers for a fully automated operation. Two temperature sensors measure the temperature at the ceiling and the ground and begin to run as soon as a preset value is exceeded. Up to 15 ceiling fans can be controlled in one or several sheds at the same time. In the winter the sensors detect the temperature difference at the top and floor. The fan begins moving at a low speed to force heat down from the ceiling and back into the room (heat recovery). The existing heat is distributed evenly, saving heating costs and keeping the energy balance clean.

Suitable fans in our creoven online store: Nordik ceiling fans and TDA Control for agriculture. Drop rods available for high ceilings. 

 In small sheds and locations a conventional outdoor ceiling fan with an IP protection is already sufficient. DC motors consume a maximum of 30 Watts and operate quietly without any wobbling. These fans are sometimes equipped with a light kit. Suitable devices for small businesses and hobby breeders are available in our category For damp rooms & outdoor areas. Tick the box and select the parameter IP rating: Yes.

The positioning of the fans in the application area depends on the construction of the shed (heat insulated/not insulated), height of the ceiling, length and width of the building. Ceiling fans should have a minimum distance of 2.7 metres to the ground. The throwing range (clearance) must be appropriate for the length of the building, meaning the number of fans might need adjusting. Furthermore, locations with nooks and crannies or dividing walls require careful placing of the fans as well.

Harmful ammonia gas        

Actively supporting ventilation for dairy cattle  

Cows sweat faster than humans. What we perceive as a pleasant interior temperature, already feels uncomfortable for the ungulates. If available, the animals will lay down in the shade on the psture. In an enclosed barn the cattle try to counteract the heat by increasing the breathing rate. By comparison: A human takes an average of 17 breaths per minute, a stressed cow up takes up to 80 breaths. It is nothing like a panting dog though, instead the term “pumping” is more accurate. If there is enough fresh water available, the animal with use another natural strategy: The cow drinks more water to make up for the fluid loss. The animals have many perspiratory glands on their skin where water vaporises. This allows the cow to cool down a bit. Furthermore, cows are able to give off part of the heat through their horns because there is a steady blood supply inside the horns even though they might seem dead. The hot blood cools off slightly away from the body (inside the horns) and then flows back into the body.

A side effect of the thirst is that the cow has less appetite and time to feed, causing the production of dairy to decline with measurable economical loss.

The use of a ventilation system reduces the humidity content in the air and in the ground, the fur of the sweaty livestock dries. The ideal humidity level for cattle is between 60 and 80%, in a shed with heating it is 40 to 70%. The optimum airflow varies due to the own weight of the animals and thus ranges from 18 to 224m³/h (mast under summer temperatures). Dairy cattle requires up to 431m³/h depending on their weight and milk output. In the winter the necessary airflow drops, however it does not go away completely due to harmful gas. The ultimate goal of ventilation is to keep the performance of the cattle and milk yield at a high level. Side effect: Flies and other flying insects do not tolerate the increased air circulation and will avoid the building. This makes for a considerable relief for animals and farmers alike.
The operational noise of the ventilation system should be as low as possible, particularly during the resting periods and if cows in calf are present to prevent any additional stress. The stress of the females has a negative impact on the unborn calves as well, the birth weight is too low, problems with metabolism and premature death can be a result.