Building for livestock

Abstract

A building for livestock has a front 2, a rear, a floor 4, a rear wall 5 and side walls 6 extending from the rear wall towards the front of the building. The building has a dual-pitched roof supported

Description

Field of the Invention 5

[0001] The invention relates to a building for livestock. In particular, the invention relates to a building for livestock further having a ventilation opening. Background

[0002] In countries like the UK with moderate temperatures and wetter weather, 10 livestock buildings play a crucial role in maintaining animal health. The right environment can significantly reduce the risk of sickness by controlling factors that contribute to the spread of disease. Adequate ventilation is key. Proper airflow helps remove moisture produced by the animals themselves, preventing the buildup of ammonia and respiratory pathogens. This can be achieved through a combination of LO 15 natural ventilation with strategically placed openings and inlets, and mechanical CM ventilation systems for times when natural airflow is insufficient. Good drainage and a dry floor are also essential. Damp conditions can harbour bacteria and parasites, leading to foot problems and other health issues. Flooring materials should be easy to clean and disinfect, and the design should allow for proper drainage of waste products. CM 20 Finally, providing the animals with ample space to move around minimizes stress, another factor that can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to illness.

[0003] Whereas many livestock buildings will incorporate ventilation openings, improvements can still be made in livestock buildings. For example, providing a 25 ventilation opening can provide a route for the removal of moisture and ammonia, but it can also cause a severe drop in temperature for livestock at ground level, thereby causing sickness. Thus, there is a requirement for buildings that permit ventilation but without drastically reducing the internal temperature in the building. Summary of the Invention 30

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a building for livestock, the building having a front and a rear and comprising: 22 10 25 a floor, a rear wall, and side walls extending from the rear wall towards the front of the building; a dual-pitched roof supported by the rear wall and side walls; wherein the roof comprises a ridge where the two pitches of the dual-pitched 5 roof meet, and further wherein the roof comprises a ridge vent to allow air to exit the building at the ridge; wherein the rear wall comprises a ventilation gap where the rear wall meets the roof; wherein the ventilation gap is covered by a covering with gaps for airflow. 10

[0005] Optionally, the building comprises one or more trusses and one or more purlins.

[0006] Optionally, the dual-pitched roof is supported by the one or more trusses and the one or more purlins.

[0007] Optionally, an air deflector is arranged extending from the ventilation gap along 15 the underside of the roof towards the ridge of the roof.

[0008] Optionally, the air deflector is arranged extending from the ventilation gap to at least a first purlin of the one or more purlins.

[0009] Optionally, the length of one of the slopes of the dual-pitched roof from the ridge downwards is shorter than the length of the other slope. 20

[0010] Optionally, the dual-pitched roof has a rear slope that extends downwardly from the ridge to the rear wall, and a front slope that extends downwardly from the ridge towards the front of the building. Optionally, the length of the front slope from the ridge downwards is shorter than the length of the rear slope.

[0011] Optionally, there are two side walls and one or both side walls further comprise 25 a ventilation gap where the side wall meets the roof.

[0012] Optionally, the ventilation gap at the side walls further comprises a covering. 22 10 25

[0013] Optionally, the air deflector is arranged extending from above the the ventilation gap, or from above the entirety of the ventilation gap.

[0014] Optionally, the air deflector extends along a majority of the length of the rear wall, or along the entire length of the rear wall. 5

[0015] Optionally, the covering for the ventilation gap or gaps is cladding.

[0016] Optionally, the building further comprises a ridge cap that covers the ridge vent to reduce or prevent water ingress through the ridge vent.

[0017] Optionally, the walls are formed at least partially from concrete panels.

[0018] Optionally, the walls are formed at least partially from plastic panels. 10

[0019] Optionally, the walls comprise a lower section and an upper section.

[0020] Optionally, the lower section is formed from concrete panels.

[0021] Optionally, the upper section is formed from plastic panels.

[0022] Optionally, the lower section comprises a slot for receiving the upper section.

[0023] Optionally, the concrete panels comprise a slot to receive the plastic panels. 15

[0024] Optionally, sealant is located where the upper section meets the lower section.

[0025] Optionally, sealant is located where the plastic panels meet the concrete panels. This prevents ingress of water and cool air.

[0026] Optionally, the roof is formed from roof sheets.

[0027] Optionally, the roof sheets are multi-walled polycarbonate roof sheets, 20 optionally comprising a tint on one side.

[0028] Optionally, the roof sheets are insulated roof sheets.

[0029] Optionally, the roof sheets are fibre cement roof sheets.

[0030] Optionally, the building comprises a sloped floor. 22 10 25

[0031] Optionally, the slope declining in a direction from the rear wall towards the front of the building.

[0032] Optionally, the floor is formed from concrete.

[0033] Optionally, the building comprises a slurry channel. The slurry channel can 5 retain livestock waste.

[0034] Optionally, the building comprises a slurry channel covering to prevent livestock from accessing the slurry channel or falling into the slurry channel.

[0035] Optionally, the floor is declined towards the slurry channel.

[0036] Optionally, the building comprises one or more doors at the front of the building. 10

[0037] Optionally, the one or more doors are sheeted doors.

[0038] Optionally, the one or more doors extend over only part of the height from the floor towards the roof of the building. There is thereby a gap between the one or more doors and the roof.

[0039] Optionally, the building comprises a screen covering at least part or all of the 15 gap between the one or more doors and the roof. The screen functions to reduce or prevent water ingress.

[0040] Optionally, the screen is removable or retractable.

[0041] Optionally, the screen is a roller screen. The screen can thereby be rolled up for example when weather conditions are favourable, and rolled down during rain. 20

[0042] Optionally, the building comprises a netting extending from at or about the top of the screen to the underside of the roof above. The netting can prevent birds and other animals entering the building, which may then foul water in the building which could lead to sickness in the livestock.

[0043] Optionally, the building comprises a ventilation tube. 25

[0044] Optionally, the ventilation tube extends between the ventilation gaps at the side walls of the building. 22 10 25

[0045] Optionally, the building comprises a fan configured to flow air through the ventilation tube.

[0046] Optionally, the fan is installed on the covering of the ventilation gap.

[0047] Optionally, the ventilation tube comprises holes to release air, or is formed from 5 a permeable material, or both.

[0048] Optionally, the building comprises a drinker that can contain water for the livestock to drink.

[0049] Optionally, the drinker is formed from stainless steel. The drinker will therefore not rust and can be cleaned quickly. 10

[0050] Optionally, the drinker comprises a drainage bung to enable to liquid to be drained from the drinker.

[0051] Optionally, the drinker is located near or above the slurry channel. This ensure that water overflowing the drinker will fall into the slurry channel, rather than onto the livestock’s bedding on the floor, for example. 15

[0052] Optionally, the building comprises interior partitions.

[0053] Optionally, the building comprises one or more livestock feed barriers.

[0054] Optionally, the feed barriers comprise a plastic skirt. The plastic skirt is easier to clean in comparison to a wooden skirt, for example, and therefore improves hygiene.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of 20 constructing a building for livestock, the method comprising the steps of: i. erecting a rear wall and side walls extending from the rear wall towards the front of the building; ii. installing a dual-pitched roof atop the rear wall and side walls, forming a ridge where the two pitches of the dual-pitched roof meet; 25 iii. installing a ridge vent to allow air to exit the building at the ridge; iv. ensuring there is a ventilation gap where the rear wall meets the roof; 22 10 25 v. installing a covering with gaps for airflow over the ventilation gap.

[0056] Optionally, the method comprises erecting the rear wall such that it is facing south-west or is substantially facing south-west, or wherein it is facing the average wind direction at the construction site. 5

[0057] Optionally, the step of installing a dual-pitched roof comprises initially installing one or more trusses and one or more purlins.

[0058] Optionally, the method comprises the step of installing an air deflector arranged extending from the ventilation gap along the underside of the roof towards the ridge. 10

[0059] Optionally, the method comprises the step of installing an air deflector arranged extending from the ventilation gap along the underside of the roof towards at least a first purlin of the one or more purlins.

[0060] Optionally, the method comprises configuring the roof either prior to installation or during installation such that length of one of the slopes of the dual-pitched roof from 15 the ridge downwards is shorter than the length of the other slope.

[0061] Optionally, the method comprises ensuring that one or both side walls further comprise a ventilation gap where the side wall meets the roof.

[0062] Optionally, the method comprises installing a covering over the ventilation gap at the side walls. 20

[0063] Optionally, the method comprises arranging the air deflector is extending from above the ventilation gap, or from above the entirety of the ventilation gap.

[0064] Optionally, the method comprises arranging the air deflector extending along a majority of the length of the rear wall, or along the entire length of the rear wall.

[0065] Optionally, the method comprises installing a ridge cap at the ridge vent, 25 covering the ridge vent to reduce or prevent water ingress through the ridge vent.

[0066] Optionally, the method comprises forming the walls from a lower section and an upper section. 22 10 25

[0067] Optionally, the method comprises erecting the lower section.

[0068] Optionally, the method comprises installing the upper section on the lower section, such that the upper section slots into a slot on the lower section.

[0069] Optionally, the method comprises arranging sealant where the upper section 5 meets the lower section.

[0070] Optionally, prior to or after erecting the walls, the method comprises installing a sloped floor.

[0071] Optionally, the method comprises installing the sloped floor so that it declines in a direction from the rear wall towards the front of the building. 10

[0072] Optionally, the method comprises installing a slurry channel, so that the floor declines towards the slurry channel.

[0073] Optionally, the method comprises installing one or more doors at the front of the building.

[0074] Optionally, the method comprises installing a screen covering at least part or 15 all of a gap between the one or more doors and the roof.

[0075] Optionally, the method comprises installing a netting extending from at or about the top of the screen to the underside of the roof above.

[0076] Optionally, the method comprises installing a ventilation tube.

[0077] Optionally, the method comprises installing the ventilation tube such that it 20 extends between the ventilation gaps at the side walls of the building.

[0078] Optionally, the method comprises installing a fan configured to flow air through the ventilation tube.

[0079] Optionally, the method comprises installing the fan on the covering of the ventilation gap. 25

[0080] Optionally, the method comprises installing at least one drinker that can contain water for the livestock to drink. 22 10 25

[0081] Optionally, the method comprises installing the drinker near or above the slurry channel.

[0082] Optionally, the method comprises installing interior partitions.

[0083] Optionally, the method comprises installing at least one livestock feed barrier. 5

[0084] Optionally, the method comprises installing a plastic skirt on the at least one feed barriers.

[0085] The features of the building in accordance with one aspect of the invention may be used interchangeably with a building in accordance with another aspect of the invention. 10 List of Figures

[0086] Specific implementations of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0087] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a building according to the invention. 15

[0088] Figure 2 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the building.

[0089] Figure 3 is an inside view of the rear wall of the building.

[0090] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the side wall of the building.

[0091] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a wall of the building, showing a slot in the lower section of the wall for receiving the upper section. 20

[0092] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the roof of the building.

[0093] Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the roof of the building.

[0094] Figure 8 is an inside view of the rear wall of the building, showing the air deflector.

[0095] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the roof of the building showing the ridge vent. 25

[0096] Figure 10 is a structural gable view of the building. 22 10 25

[0097] Figure 11 is a front elevation view of the building showing doors and a screen.

[0098] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the side of the building showing a fan cowling.

[0099] Figure 13 is an inner view of the building showing the ventilation tube extending 5 between side walls.

[0100] Figure 14 is a further front view of the building showing an installation location for netting.

[0101] Figure 15 is perspective view of a drinker inside the building.

[0102] Figure 16 is a front view of a feed barrier with skirt. 10

[0103] Figure 17 is a further view of the roof of the building showing the ridge vent.

[0104] Figure 18 is a further inside view of the rear wall of the building.

[0105] Figure 19 is a further inside view of the rear wall of the building.

[0106] Figure 20 is a further inside view of the building.

[0107] Figure 21 is a further front view of the building showing an installation location 15 for netting.

[0108] Figure 22 is a further view of the feed barrier with skirt. Detailed Description

[0109] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have 20 the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently described subject matter pertains.

[0110] In the figures there is shown a building indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The building 1 is optimised for containing livestock, for example, on a farm. The building 1 has a front 2 and a rear 3. Airflow through the building will be optimised 25 when the prevailing wind direction is towards the rear 3 of the building 1. As such, the builder should consider the average wind direction at the construction site, and place the building such that the rear of the building will receive more wind than either the sides or front of the building if this is possible.

[0111] The building 1 has a floor 4, rear wall 5, and side walls 6. The side walls 6 mutually oppose one another, and extend from the rear wall 5 towards the front 2 of 5 the building 1. The walls include columns 37 and the building 1 includes four corner columns 38. The building 1 further has a dual-pitched roof 7 that is supported by the rear wall 5 and side walls 6 (in particular, the columns 37, 38). The roof 7 has a ridge 8 where the two pitches of the dual-pitched roof 7 meet. A ridge vent 9 is present at the ridge 8. The ridge vent 9 is a gap between the two pitches of the roof. The ridge 10 vent 9 extends along the length of the ridge 8. The ridge vent 9 allows air to exit the building at the ridge 8 and thereby improves ventilation in the building 1. The building 1 further has a ridge cap 18 that covers the ridge vent 9 to reduce or prevent water ingress through the ridge vent 9.

[0112] The rear wall 5 has a ventilation gap 10 where the rear wall 5 meets the roof 15 7. The ventilation gap 10 is covered by a covering 11 with gaps 12 for airflow. The covering 11 over the ventilation gap 10 reduces the ingress of water through the ventilation gap 10 and into the building 1. The covering 11 includes double, alternately spaced side cladding timber, to allow for sufficient air flow while preventing water CM ingress. 20

[0113] The building 1 further has a series of trusses 13. The trusses 13 are traversed by purlins 14. The roof 7 is supported by the trusses 13 and purlins 14. The trusses 13 and purlins 14 are connected to the columns 37, 38 via suitable fixings.

[0114] The building 1 further comprises an air deflector 15. The air deflector 15 is arranged extending from the ventilation gap 10 at the rear wall 5, along the underside 25 of the roof 7, towards the ridge 8 of the roof 7. More specifically, the air deflector 15 extends to the first purlin 14a (see e.g. figure 19; the air deflector 15 does not extend to the second purlin 14b). The air deflector 15 is formed from sheets of e.g. plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheets are corrugated plastic, but alternatives such as flat sheet plastic would also be suitable. The air deflector 15 is arranged extending 30 from above the ventilation gap 10, or from above the entirety of the ventilation gap 10. Further, the air deflector 10 extends along a majority of the length of the rear wall 5, or along the entire length of the rear wall.

[0115] Advantageously, the air deflector 15 guides the air as it enters through the ventilation gap 10 and up towards the top of the building 1. In the absence of the air deflector, the cold air passing through the ventilation gap 10 would contact the first purlin 14a where it is slowed or stopped and falls towards the livestock below. This 5 can drastically reduce the temperature at the ground level in the building 1 and can cause chills and sickness in young livestock such as calves. Therefore, the air deflector 15 functions to reduce this effect and to maintain a higher and / or more even temperature at ground level, thereby reducing the likelihood of chills and sickness in the livestock. 10

[0116] The ridge vent 9 allows air to exit the building 1 thereby creating a negative air pressure in the building 1. This results in increased airflow through the ventilation gap 10 and improved airflow in the building 1.

[0117] The roof 7 has a rear slope 16 that extends downwardly from the ridge 8 to the rear wall 5. The roof 7 further has a front slope 17 that extends downwardly from the 15 ridge 8 towards the front 2 of the building 1. The length of the front slope 17 from the ridge 8 downwards is shorter than the length of the rear slope 16 from the ridge 8 downwards. 1—

[0118] In addition to the ventilation gap 10 at the rear wall 5, there are also ventilation CXI gaps 10 at the side walls 6, where the side walls 6 meet the roof 7. As with the 20 ventilation gap 10 at the rear wall 5, the ventilation gap 10 at the side walls 6 is also covered with a covering 11, with gaps 12 for airflow. The covering 11 for the ventilation gap or gaps is cladding. The covering 11 includes double, alternately spaced side cladding timber, to allow for sufficient air flow while preventing water ingress (see e.g. figure 17). 25

[0119] The walls are formed partially from concrete panels 19 and partially from plastic panels 20. Advantageously, the use of plastic panels aids in keeping a more stable temperature as opposed to a wall formed entirely from concrete, for example. The walls 5, 6 have a lower section 21 formed from concrete panels 19, and an upper section 22 formed from plastic panels 20. The plastic panels 20 are held in place via 30 brackets 40.

[0120] The concrete panels 19 of the lower section 21 comprise a slot 23 in their upper surface, for receiving the upper section 22. Sealant (not shown) is located where the upper section meets the lower section. The sealant further improves insulation and reduces the likelihood of water ingress. 5

[0121] The roof 7 is formed from roof sheets 36. In the illustrated embodiment the roof sheets 36 are multi-walled polycarbonate roof sheets, with a tint on one side. This provides effective shading and temperature control. Alternative materials may be used for the roof sheets. For example, the roof sheets may be insulated roof sheets, or fibre cement roof sheets. 10

[0122] In preferred embodiments, the roof is formed from two roof sheets 36, each roof sheet being sloped relative to the horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of each roof sheet is angled at 18° relative to the horizontal. As will be appreciated, the angle of each roof sheet to the horizontal is equal to the angle of each truss 13 relative to the horizontal. A slope of around 18° relative to the horizontal 15 ensures a suitable air flow through the building for venting stale air, providing an optimum solution for calf welfare. A lesser or greater angle than 18° may also be implemented in alternative embodiments. For example, the slope of each roof sheet may be angled anywhere between 16° and 20° relative to the horizontal. CXI CXI

[0123] The floor 4 is a sloped floor. The floor 4 is formed from concrete. The slope 20 declines in a direction from the rear wall 5 towards the front 2 of the building 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope is angled at 3° relative to the horizontal. However, a lesser or greater angle may also be implemented in alternative embodiments.

[0124] The building 1 further has a slurry channel 25. The floor 4 is declined towards the slurry channel 25. The slurry channel 25 can retain livestock waste that has flowed 25 down the sloped floor 4. The building 1 has a slurry channel covering 26 to prevent livestock from accessing the slurry channel or falling into the slurry channel 25.

[0125] The building 1 comprises sheeted doors 27 at the front 2 of the building 1. The doors 27 extend over only part of the height from the floor 4 towards the roof 7 of the building 1. There is thereby a gap between the doors 27 and the roof 7. The building 30 1 further has a screen 28 covering at least part or all of the gap between the doors 27 and the roof 7. The screen functions to reduce or prevent water ingress while allowing air to flow through the screen. The screen 27 is removable or retractable, and in the illustrated embodiment, the screen 27 is a roller screen. The screen can thereby be rolled up for example when weather conditions are favourable and rolled down during rain. 5

[0126] The building 1 further has a netting (not shown) extending from at or about the top of the roller screen 28 to the underside of the roof 7 above. The netting can prevent birds and other animals entering the building, which may then foul water in the building which could lead to sickness in the livestock.

[0127] The building 1 further has a ventilation tube 29 which extends between the 10 ventilation gaps 10 at the side walls 6 of the building 1. The building 1 further has a fan 30 configured to create a flow of air through the ventilation tube 29. The fan 30 is installed on the covering 11 of the ventilation gap 10. The ventilation tube 29 comprises holes (not shown) to release air. The ventilation tube may also be formed from a permeable material to allow the release of air from the tube into the building 1. 15 Alternatively, the ventilation tube may have holes and also be formed of a permeable material.

[0128] The building 1 has a drinker 31 that can contain water for the livestock to drink. The drinker 31 is formed from stainless steel. The drinker 31 will therefore not rust and CXI can be cleaned quickly. The drinker 31 further has a drainage bung 32 to enable to 20 liquid to be drained from the drinker 31. The drinker 31 is located near or above the slurry channel 25. This ensures that water overflowing the drinker 31 will fall into the slurry channel 25, rather than onto the livestock's bedding on the floor, for example.

[0129] The building 1 comprises interior partitions 33. The building further has livestock feed barriers 34. The feed barriers 34 have a plastic skirt 35. The plastic skirt 25 35 is easier to clean in comparison to a wooden skirt, for example, and therefore improves hygiene.

[0130] The invention further includes a method of constructing the building 1, the method comprising the steps of: i. erecting the rear wall 5 and side walls 6 extending from the rear wall 5 30 towards the front 2 of the building 1; ii. installing the dual-pitched roof 7 atop the rear wall 5 and side walls 6; iii. installing the ridge vent 9 to allow air to exit the building 1 at the ridge 8 of the roof 7; iv. ensuring there is a ventilation gap 10 where the rear wall 5 meets the 5 roof 7; v. installing a covering 11 with gaps 12 for airflow over the ventilation gap 10.

[0131] In preferred embodiments, installing a covering 11 with gaps 12 for airflow over the ventilation gap 10 comprises installing double, alternately spaced side cladding 10 timber.

[0132] The method further comprises erecting the rear wall 5 such that it is facing south-west or is substantially facing south-west, or wherein it is facing the average LO wind direction at the construction site. This ensures that most of the wind at the site contacts the rear wall 5 and flows from the rear 3 to the front 2 of the building 1. This 15 is ideal for airflow through the building. South-west facing is ideal in the UK and Ireland, but the ideal direction may vary depending on geographical location. Erecting the rear CM wall 5 and side walls 6 involves initially installing a series of columns 37, 38 at suitable locations.

[0133] The installation of the dual-pitched roof 7 further involves initially installing a 20 series of trusses 13 and purlins 14. The trusses 13 are attached to the columns 37, 38 using suitable fixing arrangements. The purlins 14 are attached to the trusses 13 using suitable fixing arrangements. In preferred embodiments, each truss 13 is sloped relative to the horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of each truss 13 is angled at 18° relative to the horizontal. A lesser or greater angle than 18° may also be 25 implemented in alternative embodiments. For example, the slope of each truss 13 may be angled anywhere between 16° and 20° relative to the horizontal.

[0134] Installing the dual-pitched roof 7 atop the rear wall 5 and side walls 6 comprises attaching the two roof sheets 36 to the trusses 13 / purlins 14. Once installed, each roof sheet 36 is sloped relative to the horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope 30 of each roof sheet is angled at 18° relative to the horizontal, but a lesser or greater angle than 18° may also be implemented in alternative embodiments. For example, the slope of each roof sheet may be angled anywhere between 16° and 20° relative to the horizontal.

[0135] The method comprises the step of installing an air deflector 15 arranged 5 extending from the ventilation gap 10 along the underside of the roof 7 towards the ridge 8. More specifically, the method comprises the step of installing the air deflector 15 arranged extending from the ventilation gap 10 along the underside of the roof 7 towards a first purlin 14a of the series of purlins 14. The method comprises arranging the air deflector 15 such that it extends from above the entirety of the ventilation gap 10 10, and along the entire length of the rear wall 5.

[0136] The method comprises configuring the roof 7 either prior to installation or during installation such that length of one of the slopes of the dual-pitched roof 7 from the ridge 8 downwards is shorter than the length of the other slope. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the front slope 17 is shorter than the rear slop 16. LO CM 15

[0137] The method comprises ensuring that one or both side walls 6 further comprise a ventilation gap 10 where the side wall 6 meets the roof 7. The method comprises installing a covering 11 over the ventilation gap 10 at the side walls. Installing a covering 11 over the ventilation gap 10 at the side walls comprises installing double, CM alternately spaced side cladding timber. 20

[0138] The method comprises installing a ridge cap 18 at the ridge vent 9, covering the ridge vent 9 to reduce or prevent water ingress through the ridge vent 9.

[0139] The method comprises forming the walls 5, 6 from a lower section 21 and an upper section 22. More specifically, the method comprises erecting the lower section 21 and installing the upper section 22 on the lower section 21, such that the upper 25 section 22 slots into a slot 23 on the lower section 21. Further, the method comprises arranging sealant (not shown) where the upper section 22 meets the lower section 21.

[0140] Prior to or after erecting the walls 5, 6, the method comprises installing a sloped floor 4. The sloped floor is installed so that it declines in a direction from the rear wall 6 towards the front 2 of the building 1. The method further involves installing a slurry 30 channel 25, so that the floor 4 declines towards the slurry channel 25.

[0141] The method comprises installing one or more doors 27 at the front 2 of the building 1. The method comprises installing a screen 28 covering at least part or all of a gap between the one or more doors 27 and the roof 7. The method comprises installing a netting (not shown) extending from at or about the top of the screen 28 to 5 the underside of the roof 7 above.

[0142] The method comprises installing a ventilation tube 29, such that it extends between the ventilation gaps 10 at the side walls 6 of the building 1. The method further involves installing a fan 30 configured to flow air through the ventilation tube 29. The fan 30 is installed on the covering 11 of the ventilation gap 10. 10

[0143] The method comprises installing at least one drinker 31 that can contain water for the livestock to drink. The drinker 31 is installed near or above the slurry channel 26.

[0144] The method further comprises installing interior partitions 33. The method LO further comprises installing livestock feed barriers 34. The method further comprises CM 15 installing a plastic skirt 35 on each feed barrier 34.

[0145] Where a range of values is provided, for example, concentration ranges, percentage ranges, or ratio ranges, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening 20 value in that stated range, is encompassed within the described subject matter. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and such embodiments are also encompassed within the described subject matter, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those 25 included limits are also included in the described subject matter.

[0146] It should be understood that the terms "a" and "an" as used above and elsewhere herein refer to "one or more" of the enumerated components. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms “a,” “an” and “at least one” are used 30 interchangeably in this application. 22 10 25

[0147] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as size, weight, reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to the understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical 5 parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present subject matter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant 10 digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0148] Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use "comprising" language; however, it will be understood by one of skill in the art, that in some instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of or "consisting of." 15

Claims

1. A building for livestock, the building having a front and a rear and comprising:a floor, a rear wall, and side walls extending from the rear wall towards5 the front of the building;a dual-pitched roof supported by the rear wall and side walls;wherein the building comprises one or more trusses and one or more purlins and wherein the dual-pitched roof is supported by the one or more trusses and the one or more purlins;10 wherein the roof comprises a ridge where the two pitches of the dualpitched roof meet, and further wherein the roof comprises a ridge vent to allow air to exit the building at the ridge;wherein the rear wall comprises a ventilation gap where the rear wall meets the roof;15 wherein the ventilation gap is covered by a covering with gaps forairflow;CXIwherein an air deflector is arranged extending along the underside of the roof from the ventilation gap towards the ridge of the roof to at least a first purlin of the one or more purlins.20 2. The building of claim 1 wherein the dual-pitched roof has a rear slope thatextends to the rear wall downward from the ridge, and a front slope that extends downwardly from the ridge to the front of the building, and wherein length of the front slope from the ridge downwards is shorter than the length of the rear slope.

253. The building of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein there are two side walls and one or both side walls further comprise a ventilation gap where the side wall meets the roof, and wherein the ventilation gap at the side walls further comprises a covering.22 10 254. The building of any preceding claim wherein the air deflector is arranged extending from above the ventilation gap.

5. The building of any preceding claim wherein the air deflector extends along a majority of the length of the rear wall.5 6. The building of any preceding claim wherein the covering for the ventilationgap is cladding.

7. The building of any preceding claim further comprising a ridge cap that covers the ridge vent to reduce or prevent water ingress through the ridge vent.

8. The building of any preceding claim wherein the walls comprise a lower section 10 and an upper section, and wherein the lower section is formed from concretepanels and the upper section is formed from plastic panels.

9. The building of claim 8 wherein the lower section comprises a slot for receiving the upper section.

10. The building of claim 9 wherein sealant is located where the upper section 15 meets the lower section.

11. The building of any preceding claim wherein the roof is formed from roof sheets, and wherein the roof sheets are multi-walled polycarbonate roof sheets, or insulated roof sheets, or fibre cement roof sheets.

12. The building of any preceding claim comprising a sloped floor, declining in a 20 direction from the rear wall towards the front of the building.

13. The building of claim 12 further comprising a slurry channel and wherein the floor is declined towards the slurry channel.

14. The building of any preceding claim comprising one or more doors at the front of the building, wherein the doors extend over only part of the height from the 25 floor towards the roof of the building, and wherein there is a gap between theone or more doors and the roof.

15. The building as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a roller screen covering at least part or all of the gap between the one or more doors and the roof.22 10 2516. The building as claimed in claim 15 further comprising a netting extending from at or about the top of the screen to the underside of the roof above.

17. The building as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a ventilation tube and a fan configured to flow air through the ventilation tube.5 18. The building as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a drinkerthat can contain water for the livestock to drink.

19. The building as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the building comprises livestock feed barriers, and wherein the feed barriers comprise a plastic skirt.10 20. A method of constructing a building for livestock, the method comprising thesteps of:i. erecting a rear wall and side walls extending from the rear wall towards the front of the building;ii. installing one or more trusses and one or more purlins, and installing a15 dual-pitched roof atop the rear wall and side walls and supported by theone or more trusses and one or more purlins, forming a ridge where the two pitches of the dual-pitched roof meet;iii. installing a ridge vent to allow air to exit the building at the ridge;iv. ensuring there is a ventilation gap where the rear wall meets the roof;20 v. installing a covering with gaps for airflow over the ventilation gap;vi. installing an air deflector arranged extending from the ventilation gap along the underside of the roof to at least a first purlin of the one or more purlins.

21. The method of claim 20 comprising erecting the rear wall such that it is facing25south-west or is substantially facing south-west, or wherein it is facing the average wind direction at the construction site.22 10 2522. The method of claim 20 or claim 21 comprising configuring the roof either prior to installation or during installation such that length of one of the slopes of the dual-pitched roof from the ridge downwards is shorter than the length of the other slope.5 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22 comprising forming the walls from alower section and an upper section, wherein the method comprises installing the upper section on the lower section, such that the upper section slots into a slot on the lower section.

24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein prior to or after erecting the 10 walls, the method comprises installing a sloped floor, and wherein the methodcomprises installing the sloped floor so that it declines in a direction from the rear wall towards the front of the building.

25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the method comprises installing one or more doors at the front of the building, and further installing a 15 screen covering at least part or all of a gap between the one or more doors andthe roof, and optionally installing a netting extending from at or about the top of the screen to the underside of the roof above.

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