NP Structures Sheep Housing

N O R T H E R NPOLYTUNNELS

LIVESTOCK HOUSING

With over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of polytunnels, our staff can ensure you get the best service and the highest quality product from the UK’s largest polytunnel manufacturer.

The notion that a polytunnel is a poor man’s livestock house is certainly no longer the case. Advancements in structural design, developments in covering materials, and improved engineering techniques make them a truly credible, inexpensive alternative to traditional livestock buildings.

Will you be ready for lambing season?

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Polytunnels allow much welcomed light and warmth to enter the building. This not only improves food conversion rates but creates a healthier, drier environment which is less favourable to many bacteria and fungi.

We have found customers using our structures for hay/general storage as well as a dry place to house sheep before and during shearing, making them a year round investment. They are becoming increasingly popular as calf housing and poultry sheds, as well as housing for dairy herds, beef cows, goats and pigs.

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BENEFITS, LAYOUT AND SHEEP ALLOWANCES

Ensure sufficient space for lying and feeding. Competition for space can contribute to serious health and welfare problems as nutritional and social stresses increase in the run up to lambing.

The length of the forage feed face and trough space are more important than the overall space allowance, ensuring all stock have access to forage and concentrate without unnecessary struggling or competition.

Ewes that are lame, sick or affected by foot rot should be separated in to a hospital area. This allows for special attention and prevents any problems spreading throughout the flock.

Set up pens for ease of management in terms of cleaning, stock handling and movement.

Ensure water bowls/troughs are designed and located to minimise fouling and freezing.

Set up feed troughs so wasted feed can be removed easily and regularly.

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Catagory of sheep Lying space (m2 per ewe)Trough space per ewe

(Concentrates)Forage face per ewe

(Restricted forage)

Large ewes (Over 80kg live weight)

1.2-1.4m2 floor space per ewe during pregnancy

50cm 28cm

Large ewes after lambingwith lambs at foot

up to six weeks of age

2.0-2.2m2 floor space per ewe with twin lambs

50cm 28cm

Medium ewes (60-80kg live weight)

1.0-1.2m2 floor space per ewe during pregnancy

45cm 25cm

Medium ewes after lambing with lambs at foot

up to six weeks of age

1.8-2.0m2 floor space per ewe with twin lambs

45cm 25cm

Small ewes (40-60kg live weight)

0.9-1.0m2 floor space per ewe during pregnancy

40cm 20cm

Small ewes after lambing with lambs at foot

up to six weeks of age

1.7-1.8m2 floor space per ewe with twin lambs

40cm 20cm

Lambs up to 12 weeks old

0.5-0.6m2 floor space per lamb

- -

Lambs and Sheep 12 weeks to 12 months old

0.75-0.9m2 floor space per lamb/sheep

- -

Rams1.5-2.0m2 floor space

per ram- -

The space allowance and group size for housed sheep should be determined according to age, size and class. Some examples of good current practice set out below...

• Infrared energy from daylight creates warmer and drier housing conditions - reducing bedding costs

• Increased use of natural light - lower energy requirements

• Increased food conversion ratio - lower feed cost

• Lower risk of disease

• Content livestock / improved welfare

• Increased lambing percentage

• Lower cost than traditional buildings

• Natural light keeps potential bacteria, fungi, moulds and odours at minimum levels

• Light provides natural vitamin enriching

sunshine and warmth to stock

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SHEEP HOUSE SPECIFICATIONS

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Anti-Hotspot TapePadded foam tape which is placed over each hoop prior to the polythene sheet being fitted. It acts as an insulator between the steel tube and the cover, preventing any heat build-up in the steel being transferred to the polythene. Also reduces friction between the hoops and the polythene. Extends the life of the cover by 1-2 years.

Polythene CoverThe standard polythene cover is white, allowing approx. 65-70% light transmission (30-35% shade value). This is considered to be the correct balance between allowing enough light to enter the building yet preventing excessive heat build-up on warmer, sunny days. A polytunnel environment provides much welcome light and warmth, which improves food conversation rates and creates a drier, healthier environment which is less favourable to many bacteria and viruses.

Alternatively, a cover which is green on the outside and white on the underside can be supplied where the structure needs to be less conspicuous. However, this allows no natural light to pass through. The white underside optimises artificial light inputs.

All of our polytunnel covers come with a 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee against UV degradation and manufacturing defects. However, a 10 year life is normally expected.

Bracing BarsThese are an optional extra and are only required for extreme weather conditions. Made from 50mm (2”) diameter steel tube and attach to both sides of each hoop. These are then supported in the centre with inverted ‘V’ hangers to create a type of truss. Increases the wind and snow load capacity by approx. 20%.

FoundationsHeavy duty galvanised foundation tubes (ground tubes) with a 3.5mm wall thickness give increased protection from corrosion and provide a sound footing.

HoopsOur livestock houses are the strongest of their kind. We only use two-piece hoops - much stronger than 3 and 4 piece hoops used by other manufacturers. On our single span polytunnels we space the hoops 5ft apart (6ft spacing’s are an option in more favourable conditions), increasing the snow loading capabilities and giving extra security in stormy weather. Remember…….more steel equals a stronger structure. We use 50mm diameter steel tube (galvanised inside and outside) for tunnel widths up to 6.4m (21ft) wide, and 60mm tube for everything above. All hoops have a 1.5mm wall thickness.

Straight Sides All our polytunnels have straight sides to allow for a full working width. The height of the straight sides increases in relation to the tunnel width. Extra high structures are also available.

End FramesMade from 75mm x 75mm (3” x 3”) pressure treated timber. The door posts can be set at your required width and height. Doors and gates are not normally supplied.

Side Rails and Ventilation100mm x 50mm (4” x 2”) treated timber side rails are fitted to both sides, approx. 1m (3ft 3in) off the ground. The sides are then clad with a heavy duty, extruded windbreak mesh (tensile strength of 30kN/m) giving a 63% wind protection factor.

NB. The above prices were correct at the time of printing. Please phone for an up to date price and quotation for construction.

Single Span Polytunnels

Suitable for small, medium and large size flocks, or for hill farms where flat ground close by the farm is limited. Single span structures generally offer higher levels of ventilation, due to the ratio of vented sides to floor space.

Generally speaking, the wider the polytunnel the lower the price per square meter of floor space, making the 9.14m (30ft) wide structure the most economical. If a central feed/access passage is being incorporated in to the layout design then the percentage of ‘lost’ housing space is vastly reduced with wider structures. For example, a 9.1m (30ft) wide polytunnel with a 3m (10ft) central passage only loses a third of its livestock area, whereas a 6.4m (21ft) polytunnel with a 3m (10ft) passage would lose almost half.

LENGTH

WIDTH

18ft (5.5m) 21ft (6.4m) 24ft (7.31m) 27ft (8.23m) 30ft (9.14m)

Price £/m2 Price £/m2 Price £/m2 Price £/m2 Price £/m2

30ft £1,1831 £36.50 £1,867 £31.89 £2,006 £29.99 £2,034 £27.03 £2,124 £25.40

40ft £2,080 £31.09 £2,123 £27.20 £2,298 £25.76 £2,332 £23.25 £2,443 £21.91

50ft £2,295 £27.45 £2,345 £24.04 £2,552 £22.90 £2,594 £20.68 £2,728 £19.58

60ft £2,542 £25.33 £2,599 £22.20 £2,842 £21.24 £2,894 £19.23 £3,044 £18.21

70ft £2,758 £23.56 £2,825 £20.69 £3,100 £19.86 £3,159 £17.99 £3,330 £17.07

80ft £3,373 £25.21 £3,448 £22.09 £3,758 £21.07 £3,824 £19.05 £4,019 £18.03

90ft £3,621 £24.06 £3,699 £21.07 £4,046 £20.16 £4,118 £18.24 £4,336 £17.29

100ft £3,840 £22.96 £3,928 £20.14 £4,307 £19.32 £4,390 £17.50 £4,624 £16.59

110ft £4,080 £22.18 £4,176 £19.46 £4,589 £18.71 £4,679 £16.96 £4,938 £16.11

120ft £4,328 £21.57 £4,434 £18.94 £4,880 £18.24 £4,977 £16.53 £5,256 £15.71

130ft £4,550 £20.93 £4,661 £18.38 £5,141 £17.74 £5,245 £16.08 £5,544 £15.30

140ft £4,801 £20.51 £4,922 £18.02 £5,435 £17.41 £5,549 £15.80 £5,869 £15.04

150ft £5,050 £20.13 £5,178 £17.69 £5,727 £17.12 £5,847 £15.54 £6,187 £14.80

PRICES (construction not included) Excludes VAT

POLYTUNNEL WIDTH 18ft (5.5m) 21ft (6.4m) 24ft (7.31m) 27ft (8.23m) 30ft (9.14m)OVERALL HEIGHT 9’9” (2.97m) 10’ (3.5m) 10’6” (3.20m) 10’9” (3.28m) 12’ (3.66m)

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Multi-Span Polytunnels

Multi-Span livestock houses provide the ideal solution to housing livestock in a medium and large-scale working environment.

Feeding and transport bays can be incorporated to allow safe, easy access and feeding.

The percentage of ‘lost’ space with feed/access passages is greatly reduced with the multi-span design.

Larger numbers of livestock under one roof makes lighter work of many duties, especially when you can’t be in two places at the same time.

This type of larger, higher structure is becoming increasing popular for dairy herds and beef cattle.

We can tailor the length and number of bays to suit your requirements.

Please contact to discuss 01282 873120

BAY WIDTH 21ft 6” (6.5m) 26ft 6” (8m)OVERALL HEIGHT 12’ (3.66m) 13’ (3.96m)

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FAQ’s

What size sheep house do I need?

It is recommended that each in-lamb ewe has a minimum of 0.9m²-1.4m² of floor space (depending on breed). That there is a separate dedicated area for sick animals, and you have sufficient feeding/access space. See page 4 for more specific requirements.

Do I require planning permission?

Strictly speaking…..yes. As with all our polytunnels we recommend that you contact your local planning authority for advice. Planning application (elevation) drawings are available on request. We normally charge a fee forthese which we later deduct from the final invoice price of the polytunnel.

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If you have any further questions why not give our team a call 01282 873120

How long will the polythene cover last?

All of our polytunnel covers come with a 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee against UV degradation and manufacturing defects. However, 10 years plus is normally expected.

Does it become too hot inside a polytunnel?

Strangely enough, polytunnels are widely used to house livestock in Australia and New Zealand, especially cows. Providing there is sufficient ventilation then a polytunnel creates an ideal environment. The white polythene cover also provides 30-35% shading.

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CALF HOUSING

Calf Housing: Polytunnel calf houses provide a much welcome source of light and warmth, creating a dry, low-stress environment for your stock whilst keeping bacteria, fungi and odours to a minimum.

The width of individual pens for a calf from birth to 8 weeks of age must be at least equal to the height of the calf at the withers, as measured in the standing position. The length shall be at least equal to ‘the body length of the calf, measured from the tip of the nose to the caudal edge of the pin bone’ multiplied by 1.1. In practice this means pens at least 1.5 x 0.75m, but preferably 1.8 x 1.0m. Calves must be group housed from 8 weeks of age, unless an animal is kept in isolation on the advice of the veterinary surgeon. See the table below for requirements.

Dairy and Beef: Weather in cubicles or straw yards, polytunnels improve your animal’s welfare. The benefits of natural light and warmth are many. Cattle are homeothermic animals and need to maintain a constant body temperature around 38ºC. The lower critical temperature (LCT) is the temperature below which an animal must burn extra energy to keep

Space Allowances For Group Housed CalvesMass of Calf Approx. Age Minimum (statutory) Area Recommended Area

45 kg 0 months 1.5 m2/calf 2.0 m2/calf46-99 kg 0-2 months 1.5 m2/calf 3.0 m2/calf

100-149 kg 3-5 months 1.5 m2/calf 4.0 m2/calf150-199 kg 5-7 months 2.0 m2/calf 5.0 m2/calf

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warm, i.e. feed is channelled away from growth/production in order to keeping warm, hence the warmer winter temperature within a polytunnel will significantly reduce feed inputs. A lower requirement for artificial lighting reduces energy costs. Floor and bedding dry quicker, reducing bedding costs.

Space Allowance For FeedingEven if feed is available on an ad lib basis it has to be recognised that there are peak periods for feeding e.g. immediately after fresh feed is put down. To prevent subordinate animals giving way to dominant animals (often resulting in reduced growth

rates), adequate feeding space must be allocated.

Feed Face Required For Cattle Eating Simultaneously

Mass of Animal Width of Feed Face <100 kg 0.30 mtr

100-199 kg 0.35 mtr200 kg 0.40 mtr300 kg 0.50 mtr

Poultry: Polytunnels which are used for poultry are normally clad with a black-out polythene. This is green on the outside and white on the underside. The green outer helps to blend in to the natural environment, whilst the white underside make the best use of artificial lighting. Widely used for both laying and table birds.

General Agricultural Storage: Machinery sheds, feed storage, crop storage, fertiliser & seed storage, dry work areas…… the list of uses is endless.

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CLOSED END PANEL

DEE PANEL

Container canopies can span a gap of varying sizes between two 20 foot or 40 foot shipping containers.

The durable PVC covering is fire-retardant and waterproof and provides shelter from rain, bright sunlight, and other conditions. Constructed from 60mm galvanised steel they can withstand heavy winds and storm conditions. The slanted top allows rain and snow to slide off, reducing the risk of damage or leaks.

The space can be used for storage, provide shelter for hay, tractors or other vehicles, or to store equipment so that it is easily accessible.

The canopy comes in sections and so it is easy to store, install and uninstall. The canopy is adjustable, so that different amounts of storage space can be created between containers depending on requirements.

Container Canopies are convenient and portable, so they can be quickly installed when extra storage space is necessary and kept in a more sheltered place at other times, increasing the life span of the product. Additionally, the canopy provides easily accessible cover in case of a sudden shift in weather, when produce has to be protected in a hurry.

Extensive European standards and regulations are in place regarding this kind of product. Our container canopies meet all of these standards and are designed and built in-house.

WIDTH: The canopy will suit containers spaced between 4.5m and 8.6m. LENGTH: Available in either 20ft or 40ft .

HEIGHT: Standard Height of container approx. 2.87m. Height from the floor to the centre of canopy 5.75m.

FRAMEWORK: Heavy duty 60mm steelwork with galvanised finish. 50mm galvanised bracings.

COVER: Heavy duty 520gsm PVC covering. Fire Retardant – Meets and exceeds BS 7837:1996.The cover is supplied in 2m sections which are easier to handle, store and install. Supplying the cover in 2m sections will also be cost effective to replace in event of any damage.

DEE PANEL: Heavy duty 520gsm PVC covering. Fire Retardant – Meets and exceeds BS 7837:1996.

CLOSED END PANEL: Heavy duty 520gsm PVC covering. Fire Retardant – Meets and exceeds BS 7837:1996. The end panel is adjustable as your canopy increases or decreases in size.

CONTAINER CANOPIES

CONTAINER CANOPY PRICES

20ft Container Canopy £2,463.30

40ft Container Canopy £4,223.75

Closed End Panel £1,306.27

Dee Panel £560.92

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Anyone who works outdoors knows just how much chaos the British weather can bring. Concreting, grounds maintenance and construction are all bad-ly affected when exposed to the harsh winds and heavy rain that our country is exposed to for most of the year. This unfortunately hits many companies in the pocket; mainly as a result of penalty clauses incurred when missing deadlines.

At Northern Polytunnels, we have a range of high quality portable work shelters and concrete covers that provide the perfect haven from the elements;

FRAME AND MAIN COVER

Structure Width 4mtr Long 6mtr Long 8mtr Long 10mtr Long 12mtr Long 14mtr Long

5mtr Wide £1,242 £1,726 £2,209 £2,693 £3,176 £3,660

6mtr Wide £1,273 £1,777 £2,281 £2,784 £3,288 £4,792

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

4mtr Long 6mtr Long 8mtr Long 10mtr Long 12mtr Long 14mtr Long Each

Ground Pins £47.64 £63.52 £79.40 £95.28 £111.16 £127.04 £7.94

Storm Strap Kit £241.50 £322.00 £402.50 £483.00 £563.50 £644.00 £40.25

allowing you to do what you do best without external factors taking over. The end result is that all work can be completed on time, every time.

The work shelter has been designed to withstand building site conditions. Optional 2m extensions can be added to any of our shelters making it modular to suit the job. Optional gable end covers can be attached, allowing the shelter to be secured for on site storage or protect against the elements whilst working.

WORK AND STORAGE SHELTER PRICES

WORK AND STORAGE SHELTERS

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Suitable For 5mtr Wide Shelter Suitable For 6mtr Wide Sheltert

Closed End Panel £173.65 £197.37

End Panel With Roll Up PVC Door £194.43 £218.15

Own Company Branding (each) £40.00 £40.00

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Northern Polytunnels

Mill Green | Waterside Road | Colne | Lancashire | BB8 0TA

TEL: 01282 873120 | EMAIL: [email protected]

www.northernpolytunnels.co.uk