Lesson 1Waste handling and drainage: walkways, channels, scraping paths, collection spots, and safe storage sitesDetails on waste walkways, channels, and scraping in small sheds. Covers collection points, gravity drains, and placing storage to safeguard water sources, cut smells, and plan for growth on Namibian farms.
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 space planning: cow counts, space per animal, stall or free-range area calculationsLearn to size a 20-cow shed, work out stall or open space needs, and set animal density. Links comfort, waste paths, and feed areas to daily tasks and herd expansion on small farms.
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 easy-use design: clear paths, grip floors, lights, handling gates, and restraint pointsCovers worker safety in small sheds with clear paths, non-slip floors, good lighting, simple gates, and restraint spots to cut strain and injury risks on Namibian rural farms.
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 4Shed facing and position: sun path, main winds, distance from home and waste area, access pathsPlace your small dairy shed wisely on the farm. Considers sun, winds, distance from house and waste, plus paths for feed, milk collection, and emergency access in Namibia.
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 setups for small herds: hand or bucket milking without parlour, movable or fixed parlours, milking pathsCompares milking for small herds from shed-hand methods to basic parlours. Covers cow movement, cleanliness, equipment spots, and milking paths 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 6Base and floor systems for animal sheds: strip footings, pads, ground slabs, frost guards, grip finishesReviews base and floor options for small dairy sheds like strip footings, pads, slabs. Addresses frost protection, drainage slopes, and tough, grip finishes for animal 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 comfort layout: feed paths, rest zones, trough design, bedding types, and drainageLayouts for cow comfort with feed paths, rest areas, troughs, bedding, and drainage to keep rest spots dry and avoid foot issues in Namibian sheds.
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 setups and rain/snow handling: slopes, overhangs, channels, and basic roof ventsRoof shapes, slopes, and materials for rain and occasional snow in small sheds. Covers overhangs, channels, pipes, and ridge vents to shield walls, yards, and insides.
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 9Airflow and natural light methods: cross-breezes, ridge vents, side openings, clear roof sheetsNatural airflow and light for small sheds with cross-breezes, ridge vents, side gaps, and clear panels to manage heat, dampness, and light inside.
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 10Frame systems and materials: wood frames, steel portals, brick fills, and budget mixesCompares wood, steel, and brick frames for small sheds. Covers spans, post gaps, bracing, and mixing materials to save costs while staying strong and buildable.
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
