Are you looking for a new feedlot or dairy shed? Are you deciding between a standard gable feedlot design and a ridgeback? In this article, we compare the two feedlot designs to help you make an informed decision. We also share the benefits of a sheltered feedlot or yard cover to inspire you when planning your new shed. Gabled feedlots In Australia, most feedlot shelters or dairy sheds come in a standard gable design. These structures are tried and true, with robust steel frames and a covered gable end for added shelter. With openings on all four sides, these shelters are well-ventilated and receive plenty of natural light. Typically built with structural steel, gable designs provide a strong and customisable structure. For example, you may opt for a concrete floor, a wider span, or an extra fully enclosed bay at the end of the feedlot. To explore your options and see what can be achieved, create your ideal feedlot shelter using our virtual tool. It’s easy to adjust the dimensions and features to suit your needs. Ridgeback sheds Recently, the Ridgeback™ design was developed by Entegra. The Ridgeback™ shed includes galvanised trusses, a concave curved roof, and patented ventilation technology. The ventilation system is an opening at the roof's apex, allowing stale air to escape out the top. Based on Entegra’s product development research, air circulates 20% more per hour inside the Ridgeback™ shelters. Entegra director Charles McCalman says farmers opt for the Ridgeback™ as a way to improve animal health and welfare. Some even add fans to enhance ventilation further. The Ridgeback™ can also capture and store over 10 million litres of water annually. This reduces your effluent runoff and provides an ample supply of clean potable water. Is an Entegra Ridgeback™ worth it? Compared to an open feedlot, the Ridgeback™ design has several benefits, but also additional considerations. The unique design increases the well-being of livestock by increasing ventilation over a standard gable design, which not only protects them from the elements but can improve the feed quality with additional aeration. However, due to the design of the Ridgeback™, you could see an increase in construction time due to an increase in mobile crane use when compared to a standard shed, which can increase the cost. You will need to assess the increased cost versus the benefits of this design. This is especially true when you consider that a standard gable shelter offers more than adequate airflow. If ventilation is your primary concern, an alternative design could be created to remove the gable infills and add whirlybirds to your shelter roof. In most cases, this is a more economical solution than a Ridgeback™ structure. For more information, download our farm sheds brochure. Benefits of feedlot shelters and yard covers Whichever design you choose, there are many advantages to a feedlot shelter over an open yard. These include: Reduce wasted feed Reduce mud and odours Improve your herd’s well-being Reduce disease Improve working conditions and productivity Harvest rain and solar energy Provide convenient and secure storage Reducing waste When your feed is protected from the weather, it will last longer and retain its nutritional value. This will lower the quantity of feed you need to distribute and reduce waste. Additionally, protecting your herd from the weather will reduce disease and associated medical costs. Reducing mud and odours With strategic design, a shelter or yard cover can dramatically improve the condition of your feedlot. While the air can easily circulate in and out of the open sides, the roof protects the yard from rain and reduces mud. We can even incorporate guttering to redirect rainwater into a drain or collection tank. For even better results, consider adding a concrete floor for a more hygienic, easy-to-clean base. Improve livestock well-being Investing in a feedlot shelter ensures your livestock and feed are protected from the elements. In summer, a feedlot shelter keeps the hot sun off your livestock. In winter, it protects against rain, wind, and hail. This keeps your cattle and sheep happy and healthy all year round, maximising their nutrition and well-being. Prevent bovine mastitis, FMD, and other diseases By increasing ventilation and shelter, a feedlot cover helps reduce transmittable diseases like Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD). With concrete floors, you can clean the feedlot and remove any infected mud, preventing the costly spread to the rest of your herd. A yard cover also provides a sheltered space to isolate virus-infected animals as soon as they’re identified. Feedlot shelters have also been proven to reduce mastitis, by creating a low-stress and more hygienic environment. Improve your working environment These structures also provide shelter for your workers and provide a centre of operations all year round. This will go a long way to improving morale on your farm and reducing illness-related absences. Your workers can continue their work during the most extreme conditions, limiting operational downtime. Harvesting rain and solar energy With a steel feedlot, you may be able to add solar panels and rainwater collection facilities. This allows you to reduce overhead costs and take advantage of natural resources. Secure storage With a gable frame, the roof and walls can be easily extended to include a secure enclosed bay. This provides a convenient and safe space to store your feed, machinery, and other equipment close to your yard. This is far more cost-effective than building a separate shed because the design and build can be done all in one go. Unfortunately, the ridgeback covers are not designed with this in mind so we recommend a gable shed design like those at ABC Sheds. Structural steel feedlots and yard covers At ABC Sheds, we have the know-how and experience to create the perfect solution for your farm. Download our farm sheds brochure to find out more about your options. Inside, you’ll find our full range of farm sheds, inspiring projects, industry advice, and design customisations. Alternatively, reach out to our team of experts today to discuss your next project.
Ridgeback shed vs gable shed — feedlot shed design comparison
Are you looking for a new feedlot or dairy shed? Are you deciding between a standard gable feedlot ...
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