Construction of Intake Flues for Barns Where Cows Face Out

THE construction of the intake flue or fresh air duct where the cows face out is comparatively simple. A box comstructed of 1 in. x 6 in. D. 86 M. boards, built in between the studding answers the purpose nicely. To avoid condensation on the inner wall in line with the fresh air intake, double thickness boards should be used with a one-half inch air space between, or with building paper for insulation. The outer opening of the flue or duct should be a little larger than the flue itself. It should be covered with a STAR Register fitted with an automatic shut-off so that the volume of fresh air taken in can either be regulated or shut off if necessary. The inner opening should be the same size as the outer opening. It should be covered with a STAR Register face. You will note that where the cattle face out, the fresh air is released at a point from three to four feet higher than where it enters the inlet and as near the ceiling as possible, directly in front of the cattle. Ventilation can be increased by having the windows fitted with STAR Window Guards. When the windows are opened, they drop back into the guards which in turn deflect the air to the ceiling, allowing it to become moderated before reaching the cattle. Details of window construction are given on page 138. Note that the window illustrated is so designed that for summer ventilation it can be raised from below or entirely removed. Where the masonry wall extends to the mow floor, it is at times advisable to locate the windows in pairs with a mullion between. This mullion should be large enough to serve as the fresh air intake. This makes a very desirable arrangement to take care of this condition be-cause the fresh air inlet is located in between each pair of windows and does not have to be built into the masonry. Page One Hundred Sixty-five