(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jin-bang = The Rural Development Administration urged on the 28th that thorough ventilation and facility checks in livestock barns are necessary to prevent livestock damage during the winter.
Barns without windows often reduce ventilation for winter insulation, but if ventilation is not smooth, harmful gases and humidity can accumulate inside the barn, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases in livestock.
Referring to the recommended minimum ventilation rates for different livestock types and rearing stages in the "Livestock Housing Handbook" published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, it is advisable to manage ventilation conditions to ensure proper air exchange and discharge of pollutants.
Adjusting the angle of the intake devices to ensure that external cold air mixes sufficiently with the warm air near the ceiling before dispersing helps prevent cold air from directly reaching the livestock, which could lower their body temperature or cause respiratory diseases.
Additionally, check the insulation status of the roof and walls and whether there are any leaks to prevent the inflow of external cold air. Repair any cracks with materials like polyurethane foam or replace insulation materials to improve insulation efficiency.
For open barns, lower curtains to prevent direct inflow of cold winds, and install windbreaks in the direction of the wind to help maintain warmth. Check the roofs and pillars of old barns for structural integrity in case of sudden cold snaps or heavy snowfall, and install braces if necessary to reinforce the structure.
During winter, the use of heating equipment such as heat lamps and heaters increases sharply, so pre-check the electrical wiring, circuit breakers, and power supply to prevent fires caused by overheating or electrical leakage.
Jang Gil-won, Director of the Smart Livestock Environment Division at the National Institute of Animal Science, said, "In winter when cold snaps are frequent, ventilation and insulation management appropriate for the type of barn and livestock are important." "By referring to the recommended ventilation rates for different livestock types and conducting facility checks, it is possible to protect the health of livestock and prevent damage caused by low-temperature stress."