AIR
A barn microclimate can be defined as a particular air environment in the barn consisting of physical, chemical and biological factors.
Physical factors include temperature, humidity, airflow, environmental cooling effects, sunlight and lighting. Chemical factors consist of the gases generated by the animals in the barn – mainly carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide. Biological factors comprise the dust and microorganisms in the air. The ERSTA system can mould your microclimate to be ideal for your cows.
Modern roll-up doors are ideal and can also play a part in barn ventilation. The controls can either be manual, using a lever or chain gearbox, or the doors can be connected to the control unit for automated door control.
Ammonia naturally also accumulates in the barn in winter, when barns tend to stay closed. But ventilation does not always need to be active - natural ventilation is also ensured by the roll-up side curtains.
High-pressure nozzles ensure optimum fogging, allowing the cows to cool down. This eliminates heat stress and allows the cows to ingest more feed, maintaining their productivity.
Cows start experiencing heat stress when the air temperature exceeds 20 °C. At 22 °C, milk production can drop by up to 10 %.