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HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS FOR ANIMALS AT EXHIBITIONS
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ISU Extension Pub # AE-3071

FULL TITLE:  SUGGESTED HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS FOR ANIMALS AT COUNTY EXHIBITIONS                                       
Authors: Vern Meyer, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department, Iowa State University; Deb Hall, youth development specialist; James D. McKean, DVM,
Extension veterinarian; Melva L. Berkland, Extension Communication Specialist.
 
Date:  revised August 1991
Content reviewed:  May 1995 by Jay Harmon


Use the following information to provide safety for people and comfort for animals. The suggestions on housing animals should be helpful in planning new facilities and remodeling existing facilities. They also should aid in evaluating current conditions. Note that each situation is different and housing should be adjusted accordingly. Contact the county Extension agriculturalist for specific questions.

The space and dimension suggestions that follow are different than for production situations because more space is needed to appropriately exhibit an animal. Adequate space for viewing is important. The following recommendations include space for this purpose and will be useful in making pen and/or stall assignments.

If existing exhibit facilities are inadequate for the welfare of the animal, provide participation options besides exhibiting an animal so the individual can convey what was learned in the project. Current agricultural and natural resource classes, include displays and posters. In addition, communication classes such as educational presentations and working exhibits, allow 4-H'ers to share what they have learned without exhibiting the actual animal.

General Housing Considerations

1. Gates, partitions, alleys, and wash areas should be free from sharp edges, wires, and protruding nails
    
2. Provide an adequate area for animals to be washed.  The animals should be able to be securely tied or confined.  Also provide secure footing for the animal and the exhibitor.

3. provide an adequate area for preparing animals for show that is out of public walkways.

4. Permanent floor surfaces should not be so smooth that animals and exhibitors might easily lose their footing.

5. Gating should be arranged so animals are easily moved around the grounds as needed.

6. A good fresh water supply should be readily available.

7. All moving parts on fans should be covered to protect people and animals from injury. All airing on fans must be safe; no frayed cords or exposed wires should be allowed.

8. Pedestal and box fans, if used, should be securely fastened to avoid possible injury.
 
9. Ensure safety with electrical wiring
    
     -Provide sufficient circuits for the electrical equipment that would normally be used
    
     -Allow no hanging cords within reach of the animals
          
     -Be certain all circuits are properly grounded

10. A new building should be elevated about 12" to keep out rainwater.

11. If the roof overhang does not shade animals in outer pens or stalls, provide temporary shading.

12. Install minimum insulation under the roof to decrease heat radiation. An R-value of 5 is suggested.  Buildings with 12' or higher open sidewalls may not need insulation because natural ventilation is more effective with taller buildings.

13. Ideally sides can open for warm days but be outfitted to provide protection in cold weather.  Several options are canvas, plastic, or plywood.

14. Loading/unloading facilities should allow for safe loading and unloading of animals without forcing animals to jump.

15. Stall and pen areas should be well lit.

16. Scales should be located so animals can be moved to and from the weighing area easily and safely.

17.  A general equipment repair and maintenance program is recommended with a final check before the fair starts.

18.  Perimeter fencing around the entire grounds will help contain any animals that might break free from the exhibitor.

For construction recommendations, refer to the Midwest Plan Service publications below which are available from Publication Distribution, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 or the county Extension office.

MWPS-3     Sheep Housing and Equipment Handbook
MWPS-6     Beef Housing and Equipment Handbook
MWPS-7     Dairy Housing and Equipment Handbook
MWPS-8     Swine Housing and Equipment Handbook
MWPS-15    Horse Housing and Equipment Handbook
MWPS-32    Mechanical Ventilating Systems for Livestock Housing
MWPS-33    Natural Ventilating Systems for Livestock Housing MWPS-34 
  Heating, Cooling and Tempering Air for Livestock Housing

Suggested Pen Sizes for Animals at County Exhibitions

Animal                 Suggested square                   Minimum   
                       feet per head                      pen size

Cattle
Market and breeding
  beef                       60                           8' x 8'
Dairy                        60                           8' x 8'
Cow-calf                     60                           8' x 8'
Calves                       18                           5' x 5'
Swine                        14                           4' x 4'
Sheep and Goats              12                           4' x 4'
Horses                       tie stalls                   10' x 5'  
                             box stalls                   12' x 12'
Rabbits
 Small breeds                                              15" x 15" 
 Large breeds                                              21" x 21"
Poultry
 Chickens                                                  15" x 15" 
 Bantams                                                   12" x 12" 
 Turkeys, toms                                             36" x 36" 
 Turkeys, hens                                             24" x 24" 
 Ducks                                                     15" x 30" 
 Geese                                                     24" x 30"
 

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