Freestall Barn Design and Cooling Systems

Barn Orientation The first freestall barn design criteria to consider should be the orientation of the structure. Barns with a north-south orientation are exposed to greater solar radiation than barns with an east-west orientation. Sunlight enters north-south oriented barns directly in the morning and afternoon. While afternoon sun is the most detrimental, morning sun also can affect cow behavior during hot weather. Because cows seek shade in summer, direct sunlight will reduce stall usage, especially stalls located on outside walls. It is also important to consider that with greater sidewall heights, afternoon sunlight can reach much of the west half of the structure. Protection from direct sunlight is vital for effective heat stress abatement. Barns with an east-west orientation provide greater protection from direct sunlight than those with north-south orientations.