M2496

Educational Tips for Farmers: Benefits of Raised Barns for Goats and Sheep

A raised wooden structure with a wooden ramp leading to it. — A raised barn made of wood.

Less Exposure to Parasites

Fecal pellets containing larvae from parasites can fall through the slats. This interrupts the life cycle of the common parasites that affect sheep and goats (both nematodes/worms and coccidias).

Little Accumulation of Urine and Moisture

Urine can fall freely from the floor. The lack of moisture can help prevent hoof and other health issues, such as coccidiosis.

Sheep and goats living in wet environments (from water or urine) have a high risk of developing respiratory illnesses from pathogens and/or ammonia.

A goat lies on a slatted wood floor. — Slatted floors are ideal to avoid animal contact with feces and urine.

Ability to Easily Collect Urine and Feces

The urine and feces can be collected under the raised barn, allowing for easy disposal or composting. These sub-products also can be used as organic fertilizers in other businesses, such as landscaping companies or plant nurseries.

Increased Ventilation

Raised barns allow increased ventilation, which will combat the negative effects of the high heat index in Mississippi during the summer.

Less Organic Buildup

Raised barns have less organic buildup, so they require less cleaning. The lack of feces accumulation will have the added benefit of keeping the animals clean.

Consideration

Although raised barns offer many benefits, it is important to consider issues that may arise during the winter. Tarps or other light, durable material could be used on the walls during the colder months. These walls could easily be removed and reapplied to combat the Southeast’s fluctuating temperatures.

A raised wooden barn with yellow tarps covering its sides. — Tarps can be used to cover barn walls during the colder months.

Important Tip!

Hay can be used on top of the slatted floor when the ewes or does are pregnant or during early kidding/lambing season. Maintaining clean, dry, and well-ventilated bedding reduces the risk of foot scald and foot rot in sheep and goats.

Acknowledgments: Thanks to the Dairy Goat Farm-Fundación Mario López Estrada and the Project “Cabras para la Prosperidad” (Goats for Prosperity), from Farmers to Farmers, Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

M2496 (POD-02-26)

By Nicolas Marchant, DVM student, College of Veterinary Medicine; Lindsey Dearborn, 2023 Master’s Graduate, Animal and Dairy Sciences; and Leyla Rios, PhD, Assistant Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences.

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