Weatherproof Structures

Improving Animal Welfare and Productivity with Purpose-Built Fabric Structures for Feedlots and Dairy Cattle

In the Australian cattle industry, ensuring the health and productivity of livestock is a top priority. One of the key factors influencing the well-being of cattle is their environment. —especially in feedlots and dairy operations. Heat stress, radiant heat loads, also wet cold conditions can severely impact animal welfare, reducing growth rates, milk production, and overall profitability and return on investment.

Architex purpose-built fabric structures are an effective solution. These structures create comfortable, light-filled environments that protect cattle from extreme weather conditions, enhancing animal welfare and boosting productivity.

Understanding the Challenges – Heat & Cold

Heat Stress and Radiant Heat Loads

Heat stress occurs when cattle are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, leading to increased respiration, reduced feed intake, and overall discomfort. This stress not only affects animal health but also decreases productivity—feedlot cattle experience slower or no weight gains, and dairy cows produce less milk.

Radiant heat loads, which come from direct sunlight on heat-retaining surfaces like metal roofs, can exacerbate the problem. Metal roofing heats up throughout the day and then radiates heat through the night.

Metal roof materials block all daylight creating a darkened unnatural environment for the animals rather than the ambient light under an Architex fabric roof.

Architex Fabric Structures provide essential shade to protect cattle from heat stress. The materials used are designed to block direct sunlight while still allowing light and ample airflow. This combination creates a cooler, more comfortable environment for the cattle, preventing heat buildup and reducing radiant heat loads by as much as 10–15°F. The result is a more comfortable environment where cattle can rest and feed without the added stress of extreme temperatures.

Wet & Cold Conditions and Limited Access to Shelter

Winter conditions present another set of challenges. Exposure to cold, wind and wet conditions, with limited access to shelter can increase stress levels in cattle, leading to decreased productivity. Without proper shelter to keep the pen surface dry, cattle expend more energy staying warm resulting in slower weight gain, higher feed costs and an increase in respiratory problems.

Architex Fabric Structures offer vital shelter from cold and harsh winter rain. The design of these structures helps minimize the impact of cold winds, providing cattle with a more stable, protected environment. The fabric roof maintains more consistent temperatures, ensuring cattle stay healthier through the colder months, which is crucial for maintaining productivity.

Light and Ventilation

Unlike traditional metal clad sheds which block light, the Architex structure allow natural light to penetrate, creating an inviting ambient light environment for cattle. This exposure to light helps regulate circadian rhythms and encourages more healthy growing conditions. Additionally, the materials and design of these structures offer excellent ventilation, promoting fresh air circulation and preventing the buildup of harmful gases like ammonia, which can otherwise affect cattle health and an added advantage of fabric roofs, they are not corroded by these gasses like traditional metal clad roofs.

Impact on Animal Welfare and Productivity

By reducing heat stress and providing shelter from colder conditions, Architex Fabric Structures create a healthier environment for cattle. The better conditions then lead to fewer health problems such as heat stress, dehydration, or respiratory issues. In turn, this better overall health reduces the need for veterinary care, cutting healthcare costs and improving productivity and profitability.

When cattle are comfortable and protected from environmental stress, they can focus on feeding and growing rather than expending energy to cope with extreme temperatures. This leads to better weight gain in feedlot cattle and improved milk production in dairy cows. Studies have shown that cattle housed in purpose-built fabric structures experience significant increases in growth rates and, which directly translate into better profitability for farmers and feedlots.

Long-Term Investment and Sustainability

Although the initial investment in fabric structures may seem significant, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Reduced healthcare expenses, better feed conversion rates, and improved productivity all contribute to the overall financial return on investment. Additionally, fabric structures are energy-efficient with power and lighting, rainwater capture, aligning with industry trends focused on minimizing environmental impact.

Architex Fabric Structures offer a practical, cost-effective solution to some of the most significant challenges faced by the cattle industry. By creating comfortable, light-filled environments that protect cattle from extreme heat and cold, these structures improve animal welfare and boost productivity. For feedlot and dairy operations looking to improve the health and output of their cattle which increases profitability, investing in these modern, purpose-built fabric structures is a step toward long-term success.

If you’re ready to improve the welfare of your cattle and increase productivity, consider exploring the advantages of purpose-built fabric structures for your operation. Contact us at Architex Corporation today to learn more about how we can help you create the ideal environment for your livestock email: sales@architex.net.au