Structural analysis of dairy cattle shelters in Selcuklu district of Konya

In this study, the structural characteristics of dairy cattle barns in the Selçuklu district of Konya province were examined, and solution proposals were presented. A total of 20 dairy cattle farms representing the region were selected using a decision sampling method. According to the findings, a significant portion of the farms did not have calf, birthing, or sick animal compartments. Furthermore, only 3 farms had silage storage, 5 had roughage storage, and only 2 had manure storage. Additionally, it was observed that some tied-stall barns lacked urine channels, and the floor slopes were insufficient. The average feeding length per animal was found to be 1.34 meters, which was determined to be adequate. The lighting rate in tied-stall barns ranged from 0.34% to 1.34%, and it was concluded that the lighting was insufficient. In barns with ventilation chimneys, the average chimney area per animal was found to be 190,61 cm², which was also determined to be inadequate. Furthermore, the average thermal conductivity coefficient of the examined barn structures was found to be 1.889 kcal/m²/°C/h, which was concluded to be insufficient. As a result of the study, various recommendations were provided to address the identified issues and improve the operating conditions of the farms.