Y ^'o^^s

shelters ând equipment

FOR SOUTHERN STA TES

IVIWY.24 4955 J

2^^L-t4ñd^.iii

ALABAMA

ARKANSAS

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

OKLAHOMA

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

VIRGINIA

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURE HANDBOOK NO. 81
CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUaiON 4 and 5

ILLUSTRATIONS 6 to 32

Number Description

5780. Pole barn 39 or 52 feet wide 6

5781. Pole barn, 26, 39, or 52 feet wide 7

5782. Pole born, trussed roof, 26, 39, or 52 feet wide 8

5754. Cattle barn (pole construction) 63 feet wide , 9

5765. Cattle feeding barn (pole construction) 55 feet wide 10

5637. Cattle shed (frame construction), L-shaped, 24 feet wide 11

5794. Multipurpose (pole construction) 30 feet wide 12

5759. Salt and mineral box, 2-compartment 13

5769. Salt and mineral box, 2-tier 13

5767. Cattle feeding rack, fixed 14

5772. Cattle hayrack, on skids 14

5777. Movable hayrack, on wheels 15

5776. Movable self-feeder, on wheels 16

5083. Cattle feeder, on skids 17

5766. Silage and grain feeding trough, fixed 18

5768. Movable calf creep feeder, unfenced 19

5764. Movable calf creep feeder, fenced 20

5763. Movable calf creep feeder, fenced 21

5790. Corral layout and typical details, size 60 x 70 feet 22

5779. Expansible corral for the growing herd 23

5796. Two-pen corral, siie 32 x 48 feet S4

5797. Six-pen corral, siie 48 x 56 feet 25

5740. Cattle stock 26

5761. Cattle stock 26

5784. Cattle stock 26

5792. Cattle stock 26

5791. Cattle squeeze, lever operated 27

5789. Cattle squeeze, chain operated 27

5778. Cattle holding chute, and headgates 28

5681. Movable chute for loading cattle, on wheels 29

5793. Loading chutes, fixed 30

5752. Cattle guard (concrete and steel) 31

5741. Cattle guard (wood) 31

5742. Cattle guard (concrete and wood) 31

5143. Safety bull pen, paddock and breeding stall (frame construction) 32

5760. Safety bull pen, paddock and breeding stall (concrete block construction) 32

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 26, D. C. — Price 26 cents
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CATTLE SHELTERS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SOUTHERN STATES

Compiled by THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE AND THE FEDERAL EXTENSION

SERVICE, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN COOPERATION WITH THE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS

AND THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICES IN AGRICULTURE

AND HOME ECONOMICS AT THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND

UNIVERSITIES.

Alabama Polytechnic Institute Auburn, Ala.

College of Agriculture, University of Arkansas Fayctteville, Ark.

College of Agriculture, University of Florida Gainesville, Fla.

College of Agriculture, University of Georgia Atfiens, Ga.

University of Kentucky Lexington, Ky.

Louisiana State University University Station,

Baton Rouge, La.

Mississippi State College State College, Miss.

North Carolina State College Raleigh, N. C.

Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College Stillwater, Okla.

Clemson Agricultural College Clemson, S. C.

College of Agriculture, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn.

Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas College Station, Tex.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, Va.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Washington, D. C, April 1955
INTRODUCTION

FARM BUILDING PLAN SERVICES are organized in four regions—the South, West, Northeast, and Midwest.

These plan services are conducted cooperatively by the United States Department of Agriculture, the State extension

services, and in some States the agricultural engineering departments of the State agricultural colleges. The best plans

for various types of farm buildings developed by the State colleges or the Department of Agriculture are made available

to farmers through the plan services within the region for which they are suited.

How plans were selected

The plans illustrated in this publication were selected by a committee representing the State agricultural colleges of

the southern States listed on page 3. Included are various types of buildings and equipment for beef cattle production.

These plans incorporate the latest research findings and the best available information on the arrangement and construction

of such buildings and equipment.

Planning ior local conditions

The plans shown in this handbook are generally adapted to conditions in the southern States. A few designs, however,

may not be suitable for particular parts of the region without some modification.

Climatic conditions differ in various parts of the South. Although very cold weather is not usually a serious consideration in the South some snow and freezing weather may be expected in the northern part of the region and will have an

effect on roof loads and on the depth of foundations. Wind loads are an important consideration, especially in those

areas subject to hurricanes, and will affect the size and fastening of framing members, and the fastening of sills and posts

to foundation walls and piers. Soil conditions and rainfall should also be considered in planning foundations.

Before selecting a plan the prospective builder should consult his county agricultural agent. The county agent can

help select the plan and recommend any modifications that may be necessary due to local climatic conditions or other

factors.

Many States have additional plans not shown in this publication. The county agent can also give information about

such plans and about bulletins and other material on building construction. Special drawings to meet individual needs

are not ordinarily furnished by the agricultural colleges, although some States provide this service in special cases.

Selection oF materials

Many of the structures for which plans are shown can be built or covered with a variety of materials. Choice may

depend on availability and prices as well as the skill of local builders. Homegrown timber may be used in the form of

poles, logs, or sawed lumber. Any wood in contact with the ground should be treated with preservatives to give long life,

and poles to be set in the ground should preferably be pressure treated with preservatives. Sawed lumber should be

properly piled and thoroughly seasoned before use.
HOW TO ORDER WORKING DRAWINGS

Working drawings for buildings and equipment listed in this publication

may be obtained through the county agents or from the Extension Agricultural

Engineer at the State agricultural colleges in the southern region. In many

of the States there is a nominal charge for these plans.

In ordering plans be sure to give the number of the plan wanted as well

as the title.

If you are unable to obtain working drawings of the plans you want from

your own State college, the name of the nearest State college handling the

plans may be obtained by writing to the U. S. Department of Agriculture,

Farm Buildings Section, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Maryland.

The Department of Agriculture does not distribute working drawings

for any of these plans and can only refer you to one of the State colleges where

they may be obtained.
POLE8ARM

(Ridge centered between poles)

This barn was designed to use a minimum amount of material and is

intended primarily for use as a feeding barn for beef cattle. It may also

be used as a resting barn for dairy cows.

It may be 39 or 52 feet wide and any length, m 15-foot sections.

The ridge is centered between rows of poles to permit use of a hay track.

If hay track is used a hay door should be provided.

As a self-feeding barn it will accommodate about 5 tons of

loose or 10 tons of baled hay

per 13- by 15-foot bay and 7 to

10 head of stock per 15 feet of

length. Where cows and calves

are fed limited amounts of hay

allow 2% to 3 feet of rack space

per mature animal.

Movable hayracks as shown

on Plan 5781 may be used.

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PLAN NO.5780

(3 SHEETS )

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CROSS SECTION

SHOWING END WALL

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SHOWING END WALL

PLAN NO. 5781

( 3 SHEETS )

P0LS8ARN

(Ridge centered on pole)

This barn may be built in widths of 26,

39, and 52 feet. The length is variable

in 15-foot sections. It is suitable as a

feeding barn for beef cattle or resting bam

for dairy cows. The 26-foot width can be

used for hay or implement storage.

Hay capacity is about 5 tons of loose

or 10 tons of baled hay in each 13- by

15-foot bay.

As a self-feeding barn, it will accommodate 7 to 10 head per 15 feet of length.

If cows and calves are fed limited amounts

of hay, allow 2'.j to 3 feet of rack or

manger space for each mature animal.

As a resting barn for dairy cows the 39-

foot width will handle about 9 head and

the 5 2-foot width about 12 head per 15

feet of length, with some space for straw

storage.
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VOl^8ARN

(Trussed Roof)

This barn may be built 26, 39, or

52 feet wide, and any length, in 15-foot

sections. Roof trusses eliminate one

row of poles.

It is suitable as a hay and feedmg

barn for beef cattle or resting bam for pRnqq qpCTlON

dairy cows. The 26-foot width may CROSb btOllUIN

also be used for hay or implement SHOWING END WALL

'*" Hay capacity is about 5 tons of loose or 10 tons of baled hay for each 13- by

^^'^°As aTelf feeding barn it will accommodate 7 to 10 head per 15 feet of length.

Whefe^LÄ^esar^ fed Hinted a^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

SihSTe liirr.7JT:L ^-^::Sí about U headV 15 feet of length, with

some space for straw storage.

60'-0"

PLAN NO. 5782 ( 3 SHEETS )

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CATTLE 8ARN

(Pole Construction )

This feeding barn is framed on four rows of poles with

large areas of unobstructed floor space. The length may be

increased in 12-foot sections.

If used as a self-feeding barn for beef cattle it will accommodate 12 to 16 head for each 12 feet of length. If cows

and calves are fed limited amounts of hay, allow 2% to 3

lineal feet of manger or rack space per mature animal.

Capacity is about 1 ton of loose hay or 2 tons of baled

hay per foot of barn length when stacked 24 feet wide.

Either movable feed racks or feeding fences may be

pushed up to the stack as feed is consumed or permanent

feed bunks can be installed for feeding both hay and silage.

PLAN NO. 5754

( 3 SHEETS )

CROSS SECTION
CATTLE FESDiNG

8ARN

( Pole Construction)

This pole bam, which may be built any length

in 12-foot sections, hasa center hay-storage section 24 feet wide with feeding sheds.

The hay capacity is about 10 tons of loose or 20

tons of baled hay for each 12-foot section.

In determining the size of barn needed for any

herd, allow 2)o to3 lineal feet of manger for each

mature animal.

The plans show stationary mangers for feeding

hay, grain, or silage, although movable feeding

fences could be used if desired.

The bam may also be used asa feeding and

resting barn for dairy cows by providinga second

bay along each side to serve as bedded area.

CROSS SECTION

10

PLAN NO. 5765

(2 SHEETS)
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CROSS SECTION

CATTLS SHSD ^=^==

( Frame Construction)

This shed is especially useful as a cattle feeding

shed in the northern part of the region since it

provides an excellent windbreak. It ihay also be

used as a sheep shelter, hay shed or implement

storage.

When used as a feeding shed, capacity is about

12 to 16 head per 12-foot section, if animals have

free access to feed.

Feed racks and alley shown on the plans may be

omitted if cattle are to be fed outside.

Although plans show frame construction, masonry block could be used for the walls.

PLAN NO. 5637

( 1 SHEET )

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MULThPURPOSE

8ARN

( Pole Construction)

This bam is useful for the farmer

who needsa building that can be used

for more than one purpose. The

illustration shows the building used

asa self-feeding barn for cattle using

movable feed racks. As such it hasa

capacity of 24 to 32 head.

The plans also show how the building may be used as a sheep barn and a machinery shed.

PLAN NO. 5794(2 SHEETS)

60-0

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PLAN
SALT AND MINERAL BOXES

PLAN NO. 5759

( 1 SHEET )

These easily moved boxes are designed to keep an adequate

supply of essential minerals available to the herd at all times,

and reduce waste due to rain or trampling. The box shown in

Plan 5769 has two tiers. The upper tier is for cattle and the

lower for sheep and small calves. Minerals are usually placed

in the center and salt in the two outside compartments.

PLAN NO. 5769 ^

( 1 SHEET )

13
CATTLSFEEVtNGRACK

This fixed rack may be built intoa fence line, and filled by truck

outside the feed lot. It may also be used for feeding hay, grain, or

silage ina shed. If used for cattle with horns, openings should be

18 to 20 inches wide.

PLAN NO. 5767 (1 SHEET)

CATTLE HAY RACKf

This movable rack, designed for feeding hay, may be filled

froma truck. Hay capacity is about ';, to '.. ton. Fourteen head

may feed at the same time. If used for cattle with horns, openings

should be wider than shown on the drawing. The rack is4 feet

wide and 13 feet6 inches long.

iitùk14 PLAN NO. 5772 ( i SHEET )
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CROSS SECTION

MOVABLE HAYRACKS for Cattle

This plan illustrates two wheel-mounted hayracks which may

easily be moved with the farm tractor.

The slatted rack above may be used for cattle with horns.

Hay capacity is about '> ton. The light metal roof to protect

the hay is optional.

The rack at the left is similar to Plan 5772, shown on the

opposite page, and will hold about '_> ton of hay. It is not

suitable for cattle with horns unless openings are made wider

than those shown on the drawings.

Both types are fitted with sliding tow bars which may be

pushed back to avoid injuring the cattle.

PLAN NO. 5777

( 1 SHEET )

15
MOVABLS SSLF'FeSDSR for Cattle

This hopper type feeder holds about 65 bushels of ground

feed which is well protected from the elements by the wide

eaves. The wheels make it easy to move, but it should not

be towed when heavily loaded. The tongue swings up out

of the way when not in use.

A list of materials is provided on the working drawings.

PLAN NO. 5776

( 1 SHEET)

CROSS SECTION

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CATTLS FEEDER

This hopper type feeder is mounted on skids. Feeding

troughs are protected by wide eaves. Filling doors are provided

in both ends. Capacity is about 200 bushels of ground feed.

A list of materials is provided in the drawings.

CROSS SECTION PLAN NO.5083

(1 SHEET )

17
SILAGS AND GRAIN FECDING TROUGH

This trough, 10 feet long and 30 inches wide, will feed 10 to 14

head. Construction is simple and sturdy. If permanent installation is desired the posts may be extended into the ground or

anchored to concrete pavement. The trough may also be built

on skids for easy moving with a tractor.

PLAN NO. 5766

( 1 SHEET )

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This movable calf-feeder is suitable for 40 to 50 calves.

The 15-inch wide spaces will allow only the calves to

enter, consequently no fencing is needed around the

feeder.

Capacity of the feeder is about 50 bushels.

A material list is included on the drawings.

CROSS SECTION PLAN NO. 5768

( 1 SHEET )

19
MOVABLE CALF CMEP FSEVER

This calf-feeder is intended for use within a fenced enclosure. It will

handle 30 to 50 calves. The feed capacity is about 65 bushels.

The movable fence is in 8-foot sections wired to corner posts and

stakes set in the ground. Gates are provided for a feed truck to enter the

enclosure.

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PLAN NO. 5764 ( i SHEET )

20 CROSS SECTION
CROSS SECTION

MOVABLE CALF CREEP FEEDER

This calf-feeder may be filled at the ends without entering the enclosure.

The creep fence is made in sections that are supported by the feeder

and wired to corner stakes. This arrangement permits the fence to be

moved along with the feeder.

The feed capacity is about 35 bushels and the feeder is suitable for

about 30 calves.

PLAN NO. 5763

( 1 SHEET )

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21
CORRAL LAYOUT AMD TYPICAL OSTAUS

This illustration shows a corral with an interior working chute. The overall dimensions are 60

feet by 70 feet exclusive of the loading chute. The capacity is about 130 to 170 head.

The drawings also include plans for a 60- by 72-foot corral with a working chute along one end

and a plan for a working chute with crowding pen which may be located in the comer of a pasture.

Details of chutes, fences, and gates are included.

Plans for headgates and squeezes are shown on pages 26, 27, and 28.

22

PLAN NO. 5790

( 1 SHEET )
EXPANSIBLE CORRAL FOR THE GROWING HERD

The working drawings show how this corral may be built in five steps. Step 1 is a

single pen 70 by 64 feet with working chute and other necessary equipment along one side

and a capacity of about 170 to 220 head. Steps 2 and 3 provide added convenience with

the same capacity. Steps 4 and 5 show how to complete the corral as shown in the illustration. The finished corral has a capacity of 240 to 440 head. Details of the squeeze

and headgate are not shown on the drawing but the plans on pages 26, 27, and 28 may be used.

PLAN NO. 5779 ( 2 SHEETS )

23
TWo'PEN connAL

24

This simple 2-pen corral is suitable for a herd of 20 to 50 cows with

calves. The size of the pens may be changed by increasing or decreasing

the length. The width should remain the same to allow for the holding pen

and chute.

One pen may be subdivided to provide a third pen which is sometimes

desirable in separating cows and calves. The dimensions are 32 by 48 feet

exclusive of the offset pen and chute.

PLAN NO. 5796

( 4 SHEETS )
PLAN NO. 5797

(4 SHEETS)

SiX'PEN CORRAL

This well-arranged corral will handlea herd of 50 to 100 cows with

calves. The arrangement of the gates makes it easy to move animals from

one pen to another, to scale pen, and to loading ramp.

The capacity of the corral can be increased by enlarging the2 end

pens or the3 side pens.

The overall size is 48 by 56 feet exclusive of the scale pen.
PLAN NO. 5792 PLAN NO. 5784

CATTLE STOCKS

Cattle stocks are important equipment where valuable breeding stock

is handled.

The use of such equipment in

trimming hoofs and horns, and

in vaccinating or treating cattle,

reduces the chances of injury and

requires fewer men.

(1 SHEET EACH )

26 PLAN NO. 5761 PLAN NO. 5740
SlHOUKiVWUUX

CAT7LS soueezs

The squeeze shown at the right has one lever-operated

hinged side to hold the animal snugly against the bars

of the open side.

One or more bars may be removed for convenience

in treating the animal. The distance between sides

may be adjusted as much as 12 inches at the bottom.

The side-hinged headgate is also lever operated.

PLAN NO. 5791

(1 SHEET)

CATTLE SOUESZS ANO HS ADOATE

The hinged Side of the squeeze shown at the left is

pulled against the animal and held tight by a chain.

Both sides have barred openings.

Three types of headgates are shown on the plan.

The gate illustrated is fixed and the other two are sidehinged.

PLAN NO. 5789

(1 SHEET)

27
28

CATTLE HOLDING CHUTE AND HEADGATB

This chute has a catwalk and a small service gate on one side, and

exit gates on both sides. î

Three different types of headgates are shown on the working draw- ^ i

ings. The two not illustrated are lever operated and one has a roof over *^

the headgate and working chute.

PLAN NO. 5778

( 1 SHEET )

PLAN 7'-0"
MOVABLE CHUTE fon

LOADING CATTLE

The wheels and towing hitch make it

easy to move this chute around the farm.

Although designed for cattle, it could be

used for other types of farm animals with

modification in width. A discarded auto

wheel and axle assembly may be used for

mounting the chute.

PLAN NO. 5681

( 1 SHEET )
LOADING CHUTES

Four different types of chutes are shown on the working drawings to meet various needs.

Above are two stationary chutes, one with a cleated ramp

and one with steps.

Not illustrated are a skid-mounted portable chute with

cleated ramp, and a stationary chute with a tamped earth

ramp.

PLAN NO. 5793

( 1 SHEET )

30
CROSS SECTION, PLAN NO. 5741

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CROSS SECTION PLAN NO. 5741

CATTLS GUARO

(Concrete and Steel )

This guard is a barrier to cattle, hogs, sheep, and horses, but permits

the passage of automobiles, tractors, and dual-wheeled trucks up to 5 tons.

A wide gate adjacent to the guard is recommended for passage of cattle

or wide machines.

The small sketches at the left show construction of two similar guards

for which plans are available. Plan 5741, at the top is all wood construction,

and Plan 5742 below, is concrete and wood.

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PLAN NO. 5752

( 1 SHEET) 31 ]
32

SAFETY BULL PCM, PADDOCK,

AMD 8RESDÍNG STALL

( Frame Construction )

With this arrangement, the bull may be safely fed,

watered, exercised, and the pen cleaned and cows bred.

The sliding door to the yard is controlled from the feed

alley. The gate to the breeding stall is operated from

outside the paddock.

Plan 5760 (1 sheet) is similar in arrangement but the

building is of concrete block.

PLAN NO. 5143

( 1 SHEET )

14-0'

CROSS SECTION

SHOWING PARTITION

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U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1955—O—329922

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