Cool rooms

[RankeCattleCo]

Wow it's been along time. I love the new design.

Thinking about building a home made cool room. I know there's been a lot of posts about this, but every case is unique.

We just built a brand new pole shed (for machinery). I was thinking about putting a concrete pad in one corner and making a cool room to fit 3 calves. So I have a few questions..

1. What insulation is your best bet? (Spray, foam, sheet, roll, etc.)
2. For 3 1300 lb. animals what BTU window AC unit should I get? Thinking 2 15-18,000?
3. What is your drainage system?
4. Will a window AC unit bring in enough air?
5. Ultimately what size room should I build? Thinking 12 or 14 x 10 x 7.

We would put heifers in the room so we would only want to keep it at 60 degrees at the very coldest... Is cedar fiber considered a must for hair quality and low dust in a cooler? Or do any old green chips work.. We can get them for free.

Thanks,
RCC

 

[Ohio1]

My room is 12/16 and 8 ft high top. I think that is the best size for 3 calves. I only keep 2 in it but it could handle 3. I have 2 18,000 btu units set on high cool and 60 degrees with 2 turbo fans running it stays at about 56 

 

[AAOK]

Do it right, and buy a "Cool Calf".

 

[Tallcool1]

Having recently gone through this, I know that the thought process is to keep it fairly small so that it is easier to cool....which makes sense.

Just make sure that it is big enough to work in.  You have to be able to get between the calves to work their hair, and make sure there is plenty of room behind them.

Each fat steer will put off between 5,000 and 6,000 btu.  Take that times 3, so you have BASICALLY 20,000 btu's that you have to overcome just to keep the room at 98 degrees.  I would say 40,000 btu's is what you need.

My advice is a Coolbot system, 2-20,000 BTU window units, whatever insulation you can afford, and make sure that you get it sealed.  You have to get the room air tight.  That is the most important factor.  If you can get the room air tight, then YOU have control of the ventilation and temperature.  If it isn't air tight, then you are at the mercy of external factors such as humidity, wind, outside temperature, etc..

Calf Climate will help you design the room and sells Coolbot units.  They have trained engineers on staff, and they are in the cattle business as well.  Most of what they sell you can install yourself.

It worked for us, and we saved a lot of money.

If I wanted to spend the money, I would have to agree with AAOK...pull the trigger and call Cool Calf.

 

[flyintale]

Ok,  so let's talk money.  Money spent vs. Money saved when you build one yourself vs a cool calf complete pkg. My husband is an hvac pro,  so he could get ahold of some lightly used air handlers,  condensing units , etc..  so keeping that in mind also,  which would be the better option?  And knowing that fresh air flow is extremely important, what is the best ways to keep from the ammonia smell?

Tallcool1...I'm not trying to change directions/subject from your original post,  just maybe adding some different ideas to play around with.