Redpath Bulletins & Articles

BULLETINS & ARTICLES

ECOSHELTER - STOCK SHELTERS:

ECOSHELTERS®
 

Ecoshelters® - History & development:
 

To the current date approx 1189 Ecoshelters® have been manufactured for the Australasian farm sector. They house mostly pigs, calves, sheep, etc. in fact most livestock can utilize an Ecoshelter®.

The concept began back in 1992 when Redpath Ideal were approached to design a building for the pig industry. After about two years of trials & development the project was made public and the Ecoshelter® was released to the farming sector.

Such was the success that research was under taken by the Dept. of Agriculture based in Western Australia, at their research unit at Medina. Some data supplied in the following information is sourced from that research work.

An Ecoshelter® is a steel framed building designed for low cost entry into the animal industry ( mainly pigs). They are a quick build solution to expanding existing piggeries & intensive stock farming. Organic matter is usually added to each Ecoshelter® to use as a bedding base.

Ecoshelters® have been designed to provide maximum opportunity for ventilation. In each end above the eave line a screen vent is located to allow air flow 24 hours per day therefore minimizing condensation and humidity. Both ends and both sides have roll up/ down blinds to control air flow. Optional fixed or adjustable awnings are available if required.

Continuous air movement is important as it helps equalize carbon dioxide and humidity levels within the Ecoshelter®. With improved environmental conditions healthier pigs/ animals can be grown compared with sheds associated with high humidity. Although the optimum air flow has never been established it is suggested that a minimum air flow of 12m/m be considered, below this level air flow is unpredictable.

An Ecoshelter® with blinds should easily achieve this air flow even on a calm day. To achieve this air flow blinds are important.

Ecoshelters® are available in the following span widths.  Spans may be gutter connected to create multi-bay width units. Lengths of structiures is at (3m increments) (9'11").

Some examples are:

Many other sizes are available & can be priced to suit the individual site location.

Also available is the Redpath Ecoark® - A re-locatable 8m (26'3") x 6m (19'10") animal cover structure.  (contact Redpath for separate information sheet)

Ecoark® is a registered trade name for Redpath Ideal Greenhouses

Ecoshelter info continued…………

Pigs are generally housed in the Ecoshelter® at 3 – 4 weeks of age until sold at about 95 - 125 kg (281 lb). Indicators from pig producers indicate this is about 3 weeks faster than normal.

As the effluent is absorbed in the straw there is no need for containment ponds/ dams.

Pigs are housed in more environmentally friendly conditions with animal welfare concerns are minimized.

Cleaning out of the bedding is only at the end of each growing cycle and may have a re sale re use value.

Stocking rate is typically at 1 pig per square metre (square yard) of Ecoshelter® (based on grower finisher).

It is now common for pig producers purchasing an Ecoshelter® to lay a concrete floor with bedding or pens. An Ecoshelter® is extremely cost effective in comparison to conventional buildings.

A 9.1m (29'10") x 45m (147') Ecoshelter® can be constructed in as little as 5 days, pending weather site & design.

Ecoshelter® Features

Standard features

• Zinc coated/ galvanised frame
• Roll up / down blinds full length to both sides
• Roll up / down blinds full width both ends
• Breathe vent to each end
• Easy clip attachment system (Duralock 2™)
• Galvanised tek screws
• Galvanised / zinc coated bolts
• Polyguard felt tape for roof frame to increase cover life
• Standard cover to roof silver/ white (C/C 5000)
• Standard wall & end Eziwinder blinds in all white (C/C 5000)
• Engineer computations and plans.
• Non dust collecting or pest perching framework
• Rated to 45 mps (160kph - 100mph wind speed)
• High clearance clear span portal internally for machinery access (approx 4.4m - 14'5" at apex)
• Wall height 2.5m (8'3") – 3.5m (11'6"), dependant on design.

Optional Considerations:

Side steel walkthrough gutters

Fixed wall awnings

Alternative roof covers

Alternative colour roof covers

Roof Covering Material:

Specification data on covers (supplied by manufacturer)
 

.	Canvacon 5000	LMUV4®
Breaking Force	1500 x 1500	2000 x 1800
Wear Tear (N)	200 x 200	250 x 180
Elongation at break	25 x 25	20 x 20
Unit Mass  g/m	240	340
Common Colour	White / silver	White / black
UV Warranty	3 years	4 years*

* Fourth year pro rata

Duraflex – Polythene extruded roof cladding is also available as an option. Duraflex features a heavy gauge 240micron (12 mil) thickness & solid white reflective colour. Duraflex is can be particularily economical to use.  UV warranty 3-5 years expected life 3-8 years ask for it as an option !.

LMUV4 is a registered trade mark for Redpath.