Does Natural Light Improve Beef Cattle Growth and Weight Gain?

Numerous factors contribute to how well your beef cattle perform for you. When it comes to beef cattle weight gain, you may know the importance of a healthy environment overall. But, do you know the value of natural light for cattle growth?

Natural light in fabric buildings has many benefits. At Britespan, our fabric buildings can create an environment that supports the success of your beef cattle, long beyond just providing them with shelter.

Natural light exposure increases beef cattle growth and weight gain. Studies show that 16 hours of light each day can increase weight gain by 10 to 15% in Holstein cattle alone. Explore some factors that play a role in this as you consider the fabric buildings you are using for livestock.

Beef Cattle Heat Stress & Abatement

Heat and cold stressors can significantly impact the animal’s overall well-being and energy use. If the cattle are at a temperature that is too high, causing heat stress, the body’s natural mechanisms begin to shift away from growth and energy production and instead towards cooling methods. That preserves the animal’s life but impacts your overall success in managing production.

So, how do you reduce heat stress in beef cattle barns? Optimal barn design, which also includes natural light for cattle growth, can enhance the overall well-being of animals. Natural light and ventilation ensure there is air moving through the area and adequate shade to reduce heat stress. Taking these steps makes it possible to improve the cattle’s comfort, feed intake, and overall performance, especially as temperatures rise. The best barn design for heat abatement relies on natural methods to allow for shade and ventilation.

Barn Environment & Beef Cattle Reproduction

Another important factor in the consideration of a beef cattle barn is reproduction. Now, does barn design affect cattle reproduction? Reproduction is optimized by minimizing environmental stressors, including the presence of heat, and improving the overall ability to maintain even temperatures.

One of the best benefits of natural lighting in cattle barns is that it encourages an environmental balance between temperature changes, humidity, and overall stress. This all positively influences beef cattle’s productive efficiencies and success rates. Reducing stress for beef cattle breeding saves money in managing and growing your cattle production. That is another value that comes from the agricultural fabric building. These modern barns are ideal for better outcomes.

How Barn Design and Natural Light Support Cattle Comfort and Foot Health

Natural light improves cattle growth and overall health. When comparing natural vs. artificial light for cattle, it is critical to consider the implications for overall health. Consider, for example, foot health and laying time for beef.

Creating the ideal environment for beef cattle, including the following areas, reduces the risk of complicated health concerns and reduces cattle size. This includes:

• Proper barn flooring types
• Effective drainage
• Layout

All of these factors promote good foot health and, as a direct result, reduce lameness. Ultimately, the natural lighting in livestock buildings improves the overall quality of life. They are comfortable, clean, and resting to ensure well-being and healthy growth.

SO, while you focus on the best flooring for beef cattle barns and how barn design prevents lameness in cattle, never overlook the importance of natural light in beef barns.

How to Incorporate Natural Light for Cattle Growth in Fabric Buildings

Now that you know how natural light improves cattle productivity and quality of life, how will you make it happen? The benefits of fabric buildings are numerous, and that is why so many modern farm designs are moving towards the incorporation of fabric buildings. Consider the following:

• Fabric barns are durable and long-lasting. When you use a professional fabric building constructor, you can ensure you are investing in a structure that is specifically beneficial to the type of cattle you have and your overall goals.
• Fabric buildings reduce costs. When it comes to natural vs artificial light for cattle, natural is always best, but it is also beneficial to your beef farm’s bottom line. Natural does not cost you anything to maintain.
• Fabric buildings for livestock are easier to maintain, keeping the costs of operating them more within your objectives.

You can see the benefits of natural lighting in livestock buildings, especially when it comes to improved comfort and productivity. Now it’s time to get started.

Turn to Britespan to work on building a custom space that ensures the best possible outcome for your beef cattle production. Contact us now to learn more about the fabric buildings for livestock that are making it possible to do more with less. We are happy to help you with a quote.