Lesson 1Manure handling and drainage: alleys, gutters, scraping, collection points and safe storage locationDis section detail manure alleys, gutters, and scraping patterns for small barns. It explain collection points, gravity flow options, and siting storage to protect water, reduce smell, and allow future expansion.
Alley slopes and gutter cross-section designManual versus mechanical scraping routinesTransfer channels, pits, and pump locationsLocating storage away from wells and homesRunoff control and access for emptyingLesson 2Sizing and spatial planning: cow numbers, stocking density, stall or loose housing space calculationsDis section explain how to size 20-cow barn, calculate stall or loose housing space, and set stocking density. It link cow comfort, manure alleys, and feed space to daily routines and future herd growth.
Determining herd size and growth assumptionsCalculating stall dimensions and alley widthsLoose housing space per cow and group pensStocking density targets for small herdsLayout examples for 20-cow barn footprintsLesson 3Worker safety and ergonomic design: safe circulation, non-slip surfaces, lighting, handling gates and animal restraint basicsDis section address worker safety and ergonomic design in small barns. It cover safe circulation, non-slip walking surfaces, lighting, and simple handling gates and restraint points wey reduce strain and injury risk.
Safe worker paths and cow–human separationNon-slip walkways, steps, and thresholdsLighting levels for milking and night checksErgonomic placement of tools and outletsHandling gates and basic restraint pointsLesson 4Barn orientation and placement: sun path, prevailing wind, distance from house and manure area, access routesDis section explain how to place small dairy barn on farmstead. It consider sun path, prevailing winds, distance from house and manure storage, and access routes for feed, milk pickup, and emergency vehicles.
Using sun path to warm or shade barn areasOrienting to prevailing winds for ventilationDistances to house, wells, and property linesAccess routes for feed, milk, and service trucksFuture expansion space and biosecurity zonesLesson 5Milking area options for small herds: parlor-less hand or bucket milking, mobile or fixed parlors, milking alley planningDis section compare milking options for small herds, from in-barn hand or bucket milking to simple parlors. It cover cow flow, hygiene, equipment placement, and planning milking alleys for safe, calm routines.
Hand and bucket milking in stall barnsDesigning simple parlor-less milking alleysMobile versus fixed parlor considerationsPlacing vacuum lines, buckets, and wash areasCow flow and holding space near milking areaLesson 6Foundation and floor systems for livestock buildings: strip, pad, slab-on-grade, frost protection, and non-slip finishesDis section review foundation and floor choices for small dairy barns, including strip, pad, and slab-on-grade systems. It address frost protection, drainage slopes, and durable, non-slip finishes for cow safety.
Soil bearing checks and simple site prepStrip and pad foundations for light barnsSlab-on-grade thickness and reinforcementFrost protection and perimeter insulationNon-slip floor textures and drainage slopesLesson 7Animal welfare layout: feeding alleys, resting areas, bunk/ trough design, bedding choices and drainageDis section focus on layouts wey support cow comfort and welfare. It cover feeding alleys, resting areas, bunk and trough design, bedding choices, and drainage wey keep lying areas dry and reduce hoof problems.
Sizing feed bunks and head spaces per cowDesigning resting areas and stall placementBedding materials, depth, and maintenanceDrainage around beds and crossoversMinimizing competition and stress at feedingLesson 8Roof systems and rain/snow management: pitch, overhangs, gutters, and simple ridge ventilationDis section cover roof shapes, pitches, and materials suited to rain and snow in small dairy barns. It explain overhangs, gutters, downspouts, and simple ridge vents wey protect walls, yards, and interior spaces.
Choosing roof pitch for rain and snow loadsEave overhangs to protect walls and alleysGutter sizing, downspouts, and outletsSnow shedding and ice management detailsRidge vent openings and weather protectionLesson 9Ventilation and daylighting strategies: cross-ventilation, ridge vents, sidewall openings, translucent roof panelsDis section explain natural ventilation and daylighting strategies for small barns. It cover cross-ventilation, ridge vents, sidewall openings, and translucent panels to control heat, humidity, and interior light levels.
Cross-ventilation using openings and orientationDesigning ridge vents for warm, moist airAdjustable sidewall curtains and panelsTranslucent roof and wall panels for lightBalancing airflow with winter heat retentionLesson 10Structural systems and materials: timber frame, steel portal frame, masonry infill, and economical combinationsDis section compare timber, steel, and masonry structural systems for small barns. It explain spans, post spacing, bracing, and how to combine materials to reduce cost while keeping building strong and easy to build.
Timber post-and-beam frames for small barnsLight steel portal frames and trussesMasonry stem walls and infill optionsHybrid timber–steel cost-saving strategiesBracing, anchoring, and lateral stability
