Sheltering livestock is an important aspect of farm management. Clear Tarpaulin provides an affordable and effective way for farmers to protect animals from inclement weather. Tarps help keep livestock dry when it rains and give them relief from hot sun or cold winds.
There are several key reasons why farmers rely on tarps for livestock shelter:
Health and Comfort
Exposed animals are more prone to illness, stress and discomfort. Tarps help shield livestock from wet, extreme temperatures and conditions that can compromise their health and well-being.
Growth and Productivity
Sheltered animals have improved weight gain and growth rates. Calves, lambs and young animals especially need protection as they develop. Tarps support optimal performance and productivity from livestock.
Reduced Veterinary Costs
Healthier animals means fewer medical issues and vet bills over time. The relatively low cost of tarps can save farmers money on treatment for pneumonia, hypothermia or other weather-related ailments.
Less Building Needed
Tarps provide flexible, affordable shelter that does not require constructing barns or stables. They are a practical way for famers on limited budgets to house their animals. Tarpaulin offer coverage which traditional buildings cannot provide.
Best Uses for Livestock Tarps
There are several common scenarios where farmers find tarps to be invaluable for protecting livestock:
Sheltering animals in barns
Tarps can be draped over existing fencing or structures to expand outdoor shelter space. This keeps pastured animals dry during rainstorms or uses barns more efficiently to house larger numbers.
Covering livestock trailers
Tarps suspended over the tops and sides of trailers help prevent animals from getting wet and drafts while in transit. This keeps them healthier and more comfortable when being transported or taken to market.
Creating makeshift shelters
Temporary shelters made from tarps provide coverage for seasonal uses like lambing/calving season or rotational grazing. They are light and portable, making it easy to move shelters as needed.
feedstock from moisture
Large tarps can cover hay bails or stacks, silage, or even feed containers to prevent waste from rain. Tarps play a role in food storage and quality for livestock.
Whether it’s sheltering animals permanently on the farm or temporarily on pasture, in transport, or just shielding their food – tarps prove versatile in adapting to different livestock housing and management situations.
Choosing the Right Tarpaulin Material
There are a few popular tarpaulin materials used for agricultural and livestock sheltering purposes. Selecting the right material depends on the tarp’s intended use and desired durability.
Polyethylene (PE)
Very lightweight and affordable option for small tarps. Chemically resistant and waterproof. Soft and flexible material that is easy to install. Prone to tearing if not handled carefully.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Heavier duty material that is very strong and long-lasting. Withstands weathering from UV light, wind, snow, and rain. More puncture and tear-resistant than PE. Higher cost but is good value for investment.
Canvas
Heavy, natural fabric provides insulation. Breathable option is useful for humid barns. More rigid and less apt to flap in the wind. Requires frequent re-treatment to maintain waterproofing. Heavier weight makes it cumbersome for large sizes.
Tarp Sizing Guidelines for Common Livestock
Proper sizing of the tarp is important to fully shelter livestock without waste. Here are general guidelines for common animal types:
Cattle and Calves
6ft x 8ft tarp per head for calves.
8ft x 10ft tarp per head for young stock/cow-calf pairs.
10ft x 12ft tarp for every 2-3 mature cows.
Horses
8ft x 10ft minimum for individual stalls.
12ft x 16ft for a pair.
14ft x 20ft covers a group of 3-4 horses.
Sheep and Goats
6ft x 8ft tarp covers 10-15 sheep/goats.
8ft x 10ft covers up to 25 head.
10ft x 12ft shelters a flock of 30-40 animals.
Pigs
8ft x 10ft covers a group of 5 feeder pigs.
10ft x 12ft fits 10 young stock or sows.
12ft x 14ft shelters a pen of 15 mature hogs.
Chickens/Poultry
Use a 6ft x 6ft tarp for every 25 birds for lightweight coverage.
8ft x 10ft shelters a flock of 50-75 laying hens or broilers.
Proper sizing and layout of tarpaulin shelters ensures adequate coverage whether it’s a handful of livestock or large numbers. Contact an agricultural supply retailer to help determine specific sizing for barn dimensions or flock numbers.
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