Farm building manufacturer Redpath has
been supplying their new range Ecoshelter animal protection structures
throughout the Pacific Rim for many years. The company says that
the Ecoshelters are proving popular with both intensively farmed small
block holders and larger operators that are seeking to produce healthy
animals at an accelerated rate for a reduced cost. Stock produced
or weaned in an Ecoshelter environment can be expected to require less
feed and have lower mortality rates than those exposed fully to the elements.
Glen Williams from the company says that the very
latest Duraflex 228 micron or long life Non-Rip reinforced cladding is
utilised on the Ecoshelters. These extra heavy duty polyethylene
based materials contains a percentage of shade that helps reduce animal
stress that can be caused by excessive heat build-up within the shelters
during sunny conditions. The cladding is available in 9 metre (29’6”)
and 11 metre (36’1”) wide sheets and is ‘cut to length’ to the nearest
metre to suit each installation. The other bonus of these materials
is that they have a life expectancy of up to 6-8 years with very low replacement
costs. This long life material makes these structures a viable and
economical option for this application.
The cladding is clipped to the frame via the company’s
patented aluminium Lockstrip or Duralock 2 film fastening systems.
Redpath says “retaining the cover in high wind conditions and for many
year reliably is most important and these specialised film-fastening tracks
allow this”. The structures and films are designed to comfortably
withstand wind speeds of over 160 kph and are often built in exposed locations.
The structures and Duraflex cladding are supplied with a manufacturers
guarantee.
The designs are modular and are available in a
large range of size configurations to suit most sites. The design allows
for straightforward expansion should it be required in following seasons.
The Ecoshelter utilises an all steel framework,
which is assembled with simple nut and bolt connections. This system
offers a straightforward and high strength construction that can often
be done by the owner – although Redpath do operate contractors for assembly
on site throughout Australasia.
Ecoshelters are being used for a wide range of
applications including protection for calves, cows, pigs, & sheep.
They are also commonly used for fish and shellfish farming.
August 1999
