Knaptoft Hall Farm, Leicestershire

Description

These 2 new buildings at Knaptoft Hall Farm in Leicestershire were built in 2018 to house youngstock from weaning until calving.Fibre cement profiled sheeting is well known for its benefits to livestock, including reducing internal condensation and rain drum, as well as its long term corrosion resistance.As one of the top performing dairy farmsin the UK, Nick and the team identified that these purpose-built sheds were required to provide an environment in which they could manage the growth rates, health and performance of the youngstock — prior to them joining the herd — so that they integrate well and play an active part from the outset.The design incorporates two buildings facing each other, separated by a central feed passage which doubles up as a way for the farmer to inspect the cattle more easily and more quickly.A key feature is the open protected ridge, chosen to provide the maximum amount of controlled ventilation, which is paramount to the animals’ health at this crucial stage of development for the foundation of the dairy herd. Insufficient ventilation is a major contributing factor to the majority of bovine respiratory diseases which in total costs the UK livestock industry circa. £50 million per year.