Keeping your livestock comfortable during the fall and winter can be a challenge. The cooler temperatures and precipitation make it difficult for the animals to stay warm and could increase their risk of disease. If you already have a pole barn on your property, use the following guide to make the most out of this shelter.

4 Tips to Keep Livestock Comfortable 

1. Keep Up With Grooming

Allowing animals to grow long, shaggy winter coats is a common practice among farmers. Since the coarse hair tends to tangle, take time during the day to give each animal a good brushing. This will keep the layers thick and full, providing natural insulation that holds the heat close to their bodies.

2. Insulate Their Housing Structures

Any structure, whether it’s a pole barn or a shed, is enough to provide a break from the wind. However, without insulation, the internal temperatures can drop during the night. Adding new materials to the roof and the walls creates a buffer from the wind and helps contain some of the warmth that the animals produce as they move.

3. Cover the Door

Open doorways are convenient for farmers and animals alike, but they can make it difficult for pole barns to maintain a consistent temperature. Hanging a plastic curtain along the opening helps keep warm air inside while still providing easy access to the barn.

4. Supply Bedding Materials

Hard floors can be uncomfortable to lie upon, so some animals may develop stiff joints or sores on their skin. Spreading a clean layer of hay or grass allows your livestock to get a good night’s rest. The additional material will allow them to create nests of warmth and cushion their bodies from the roughness of the floor.

Ensure your livestock has the protection that they deserve this winter by working with H & H Metal Products. This family-owned and -operated company has produced materials for pole barns and metal roofs for over 30 years, so they’re familiar with the conditions farmers and animals in Savannah, TN, face. They are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and manufacture all their own products. You can learn more about the services they offer by visiting their website. Call (731) 925-1922 to place an order.