Extreme Heat: Why Shade Matters for Livestock

By Madonna Benjamin and Beth Ferry

When extreme heat hits the Midwest during the summer months, ways to stay cool are at the top of everyone’s mind. This is especially true for livestock farmers, as extreme heat events are problematic for the productivity and welfare of the animals in their care. Many farmers are working and paying to pump heat out of the barn using fans and tunnel ventilation, or direct cooling of animals.

Shade matters

When considering mitigation methods to reduce the impact of high temperatures, farmers should assess the potential of using shade to cool their buildings and incoming air, thereby providing relief to livestock and workers.

Providing shade for swine building structures and air inlets

Shade can significantly reduce the incoming temperature by as much as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5-11 degrees Centigrade), depending on various factors. This reduction occurs for both air temperature and surface temperatures, such as those of the building's roof and sidewalls, as well as gravel surfaces.  

By shading strategic areas outside the barn, farmers can help regulate the temperature of the air entering the building, especially during hot weather.

• Improved ventilation efficiency: Inlets are crucial for proper ventilation and air circulation within swine facilities. Shading areas of south and west-facing inlets ensures cooler incoming air, making the ventilation system more efficient for optimal temperatures.

How to provide shade for swine building inlets

• Overhanging roof or awning: 
  • Reduces the amount of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
  • Reduces heat absorption by building materials.
  • Using an awning of 6-8 feet extends the overhang, especially on south- and west-facing walls, for significant cooling. Use 40% shade cloth
    • UV-Blocking Fabric: Hanging a UV-blocking fabric shade near the inlet can also create a shaded area.