It’s time to thinking about warmer days and keeping animals comfortable inside confinement buildings.

Here are key components to keep swine barns properly ventilated in order to provide the best environment for pigs:

• Fans. Remove plastic or other winterizing material from fans if you haven’t yet. Fan mechanisms can freeze in cold winter. Make sure they are all turned on and functioning properly. Review the CFM Output by Fan guideline charts shown here.

• Curtains. Remove insulation from the curtains if you haven’t done so yet. As you do, examine the curtains for damage that requires repair, and test the emergency drop mechanisms if present.

• Controllers. It is good practice to verify that all settings are correct on your controllers, as often these settings are altered during winter. Manually test the fan stages to ensure they are functioning properly as you work through controller settings.

• Soffits. If you closed soffits during winter, open them to allow for proper attic airflow.

• Inlets. It is also good practice to manually reset all inlets and verify that inlet openings are consistent throughout the barn. Inlets often freeze during winter, and they also can get out of adjustment.

To access a free Ventilation Guideline and Spring Ventilation Checklist, go to http://bit.ly/2nFOazF. Questions? Call Chad Berenschot at 507-825-7104.

Source: Pipestone Veterinary Service