During cold weather, efficient barn ventilation is important to help get rid of excess moisture, respiratory disease organisms, dust and waste gases.
Horse in respiratory distress
Horses' lungs can harbor disease without anyone noticing until it reaches an advanced state and signs such as coughing and exercise intolerance develop.
© 2017 by S. Hanusch New window.
When air in the barn gets stale, it can negatively impact a horse's respiratory system.
Barns tend to house a lot of dust and other particulates, which, when airborne and inhaled consistently, may harm horses’ respiratory systems. Horses are natural athletes and require a tremendous lung capacity to meet their performance needs.
However, their lungs can also harbor disease without anyone noticing until it reaches an advanced state and signs such as coughing and exercise intolerance develop. By working to improve the quality of air in the barn, you will be taking steps to preserve your horses’ health.
Six ways to improve barn air quality and keep horses healthy
Cleaning Schedule
Clean stalls frequently to prevent ammonia buildup, but take horses outdoors to minimize their exposure to particulates that are stirred up.
Hay Storage
Hay should not be stored above or next to stalls and preferably should not be in the same building, if possible, due to the number of dust particulates and the fire hazard.
Bedding
Use low dust absorbent bedding to help prevent ammonia buildup and eep the level of other irritants in stalls down.
Fans
Utilizing fans can be helpful with airflow, depending on placement and air quality. It’s best to have an assessment done by an expert.
Turn Out
While not related to the barn itself, turning horses out as much as possible is best for respiratory healthy because air quality is generally better.,
Be Aware
Though the air quality is typically better outside, some horses have pasture-associated equine asthma and it is advised to keep them inside in a very clean barn.
Press release by Tufts - News Center at Cummings College