Are you planning to expand your farm and wondering how to create a space that is not only functional but also compliant with animal welfare principles? A tented barn for beef cattle is a solution that combines flexibility, ease of installation and year-round comfort. When properly designed, it can compete with - and in many respects even surpass - the traditional cattle shed.
Storage tent as an investment for farm development
The right storage tent for beef cattle offers much more than just a roof overhead. Its mobility, the possibility of quick assembly and disassembly (a fully functional barn can be erected in just a few days, which is impossible with a brick alternative) make it an attractive choice for rapidly growing farms, where there may be a need to reorganise farm operations or relocate livestock. They are a multifunctional solution - depending on the needs, the tents can be barns for the entire herd or housing for mothers with their young during calving periods. The halls are easy to clean and weatherproof, and the lower purchase and installation costs translate into a faster return on investment - crucial when growing a farm.
Load-bearing construction and variable weather conditions
The storage tent hall should be able to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall. This is why curved structures are the perfect solution. Thanks to the semi-circular shape, the roof does not retain snow, which naturally slides off it. The covering material is also important - the 900 g/m² PVC tarpaulin provides excellent protection against moisture, UV radiation and mechanical damage.
The use of a tensioning system based on elastic ropes is another advantage - a taut tarpaulin does not create hollows where water or snow could collect. As a result, the structure retains its functional properties for longer and does not require frequent interventions: repairs or maintenance.
Functional interior without structural constraints
Unlike traditional livestock buildings, storage tent halls have no internal columns. This is a huge advantage when planning the space - it can be freely adapted to the number and age of the animals. The minimum usable area per fattening animal should be between 3 and 4.5 m², which allows the use of systems with deep bedding.
Storage tents can also be easily extended to meet changing livestock conditions. This is particularly advantageous for rapidly growing farms.
Constant ventilation and thermal comfort all year round
High humidity, lack of air movement, excess ammonia - these are conditions that endanger the fattening animals. This is why it is so important to guarantee constant air circulation. In storage tents, this is achieved by means of raised side walls and a rear wall on zips, which can be rolled up and secured with straps. In summer, many breeders dispense with the rear wall, creating an airy, shaded area for resting and feeding the animals. Shade nets are also used in some models of storage tent halls. Constant ventilation means year-round comfort
Feeding and watering - ergonomics and accessibility
The efficiency of feeding the fattening pigs depends on the correct arrangement of feed lines and drinkers. In storage tents, feed lines are usually routed along one of the side walls to allow handling by the feed wagon and reduce wastage. The recommended space at the manger is a minimum of 70 cm per head of cattle.
As for drinkers, these should be positioned in a way that provides easy access for the whole herd - taking into account seasonal heating. Optimising the layout of these elements translates into reducing the risk of aggression between animals and improving their welfare.
Bedding, waste disposal and hygiene maintenance
The deep litter system is one of the most commonly chosen solutions in storage tents for beef cattle. It is natural, warm and insulates animals well from the ground, promoting their health and comfort. However, in order for it to work effectively, the ground of the storage tent must be properly prepared - most often paved and with a slight slope, which facilitates the drainage of moisture and reduces the risk of waste build-up. It is advisable to adapt the specific parameters, such as the degree of slope or the method of hardening, to the ground conditions and the individual needs of the farm.
Already at the planning stage of the storage tent, it is a good idea to take into account the possibility of free access for cleaning machines - loader, tractor with bucket or other equipment. This facilitates manure removal and regular straw bedding, which translates not only into convenience for the operator, but also into maintaining adequate hygiene throughout the facility. Good conditions in the storage tent mean better animal condition, less risk of disease and faster weight gain.
Mobility, fast assembly and less paperwork
The main advantage of marquee halls for beef cattle is their mobility. The structure, based on a system of gully connections, does not require permanent foundations, which in many cases makes it possible to avoid the time-consuming formalities involved in obtaining a building permit (a building without permanent fixtures to the ground is subject to the exemptions from applying for a building permit listed in Article 29(2) of the Construction Law) and to erect it on the basis of a notification only. This saves time and simplifies the entire investment process.
Here it is worth pointing out: in the case of a planned use of more than 180 days, it is necessary to complete the necessary formalities for a building permit. However, this is a process that can be started once the hall has been erected on the basis of the notification and it has been confirmed that the location, size and layout of the cattle shed are suitable for our needs. This avoids having to apply for planning permission each time we need to relocate the barn and then demolish the building.
The storage tent halls can be erected directly on suitably prepared ground - paved, levelled or with a slight slope - and the erection itself usually only takes a few days. If plans change or if the farm grows, the structure can easily be dismantled and erected in a new location. This flexibility is a huge advantage in the context of seasonality, changing livestock needs or stock rotation.
Summary
A storage tent for beef cattle is much more than just protection from the rain. It is a complete and functional breeding environment that promotes animal health, growth and welfare. Its design, ventilation, internal layout and mobility have a real impact on the daily operation of the farm.
If you are looking for a solution that does not require planning permission, assembles in a few days and adapts to changing needs - check out the range of storage tents on offer at inamiot.pl/gb/. An investment that really pays off.
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