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Animal Housing

Since the origin of farming, most farm animals have been given some type of shelter or housing. With today’s farms larger than in the past, and with less land available to farm, specialized housing has become necessary.

Controlled or confinement housing is defined as a method where relatively large numbers of animals are kept in relatively small areas and where varying degrees of shelter from the elements are provided. Some confinement methods allow the animals access to the outside, but generally little of their food is derived from that source.

With the exception of cow-calf beef farms, deer, elk, bison and some sheep farming, all commercial livestock and poultry production in Canada is carried out using controlled or confinement housing methods. These methods vary; from confining animals to a particular yard, building, stall or cage.

Livestock and poultry housing systems have been adopted in Canada for a variety of reasons. They remain in use because of the advantages they provide. These systems offer protection from weather, predators, accidental injuries, and many diseases that are carried by wild animals and microorganisms. These housing systems also allow larger numbers of animals to be more easily handled; to receive proper nutrition and clean water; as well as individual and consistent care by farmers. From a hygienic and animal health standpoint, these housing systems are superior to husbandry methods of the past. Efficient housing and handling systems allow a higher quality, consistent product to be produced, at a lower price to consumers.

Farm animal housing methods are designed with many factors in mind and can vary from farm to farm and region to region. A growing number of options are available to farmers when building new barns, which is allowing them to choose housing methods that better meet their needs as well as the needs of animals and consumers.

While many improvements have been made since the introduction of these controlled housing methods, research efforts are continuing into further improvements and modifications. Current research projects projects include: testing of toys to relieve boredom in closely confined animals; equipping laying cages with roosts; computerized feeding systems; and a whole host of construction materials and products to increase the comfort of farm animals. Farmers pay for much of the research themselves. New advances in animal science and technology (like computers and equipment) will make it possible for further changes in the way farmers raise their animals while meeting the growing and ever-changing demands for food.