Layout for new cattle area

[Richardin52]

With the help of NRCS I will be putting in a manure storage area and a slab for cattle this summer. I live in the Northeast in the mountains where we get plenty of wind and snow (70 lbs. to 100 lbs. snow loads roofs) temps also get down to minus 20 F. Snow in my area most of the time is on the ground from December to April and until lately averages 2 to 3 feet deep.

The design NRCS has came up with calls for 6 foot high precast concrete walls on the 2 windy sides and around the manure storage area with two sides open where the cattle will be but there is nothing else on the plan.

I was thinking of putting a roof on this area next summer and got to thinking about some of the open housing I have seen designed so cattle lay in open stalls that are raised off the floor about 6 in. and filled with bedding so they stay clean. If anybody has any suggestions as to if I even need stalls or another layout or the size of stalls etc. I am looking for any ideas I can get so I do this right the first time.

Thanks for the help.

 

[1wlimo]

I would not use stalls, just build up a straw pack inside the shed where they sleep.

 

[gonzo]

wlimo is right just an open shelter so they can crowd together to get warm. Most the time they'll only go in there to poop. Where you located?

 

[Richardin52]

Western Mountains in Maine about 45 miles from Canada

 

[gonzo]

Your up there pretty good ,good wind protection in a small shelter should suffice . I live in a little snow belt here you'd be suprised how little they use they're shelter.