Mastitis remains one of the most costly health challenges in UK dairy herds, with recent 2024/2025 data indicating an average of 26 clinical mastitis cases per 100 cows. Each case of mastitis can cost anywhere between £250 and £300 for treatment, discarded milk, and yield losses. For farmers, investing in appropriate housing for cows is a crucial strategy to reduce disease pressure and protect both herd health and profitability.
Well-designed housing for cows offers more than basic shelter; it directly influences hygiene, airflow, and livestock comfort, all of which are vital factors in controlling mastitis risk. Poorly ventilated, damp, or overcrowded barns increase bacterial exposure and stress, contributing to higher infection rates. Conversely, structures that prioritise airflow, drainage, and cow-friendly layouts can significantly reduce the occurrence of mastitis.
McGregor Agri Span provides modular, robust, and re-deployable livestock housing, purpose-built to support healthy, low-moisture environments. By implementing these housing solutions, farmers can safeguard animal welfare, improve milk quality, and mitigate the financial impact of mastitis, making a well-constructed shed an essential investment for modern dairy operations.
How does McGregor Agri Span support farmers in reducing mastitis risk?
McGregor Agri Span combines robust engineering with thoughtful design to create livestock housing that actively reduces mastitis risk. Each feature contributes to a healthier, drier, and more comfortable environment, giving farmers peace of mind and protecting both animal welfare and productivity.
Modular construction for flexible herd management
Agri Span’s modular design allows farmers to expand or reconfigure barns quickly as herd sizes change. Adding bays or adjusting layouts ensures cows always have enough space for lying, feeding, and movement. By maintaining optimal density and reducing overcrowding, these structures help lower mastitis. Modularity also enables efficient hygiene management, as each section can be maintained independently.
Rapid deployment for immediate coverage
Constructed in just three to four days, Agri Span shelters provide immediate protection for cows in expanding or emergency situations. Rapid installation ensures livestock are quickly moved into a controlled, dry, and ventilated environment, minimising exposure to wet bedding and airborne pathogens. Fast deployment is valuable during seasonal weather changes or when additional herd housing is needed.
Re-deployable design for multi-site use
Agri Span structures require no permanent fixings and can be relocated as operational needs change. Farmers can move shelters between fields, sites, or farm units without compromising structural integrity. This flexibility ensures cows are consistently housed in optimal conditions, maintaining proper airflow, hygiene, and bedding quality, which all help reduce the risk of mastitis over time.
Moisture-controlled environment
Gable vents and tensioned side skirts regulate airflow, reduce condensation, and provide a waterproof barrier. Integrated deep-section gutters in multi-bay setups channel rainwater efficiently to drainage systems. By maintaining dry bedding and preventing water ingress, Agri Span shelters limit bacterial growth and ensure cows lie in hygienic, low-moisture conditions, reducing mastitis risk.
Robust structural protection
Specified and tested against European wind and snow load standards, Agri Span is built to withstand harsh weather. Strong, flexible structures prevent leaks, collapses, or drafts that could compromise bedding dryness or ventilation. By keeping the housing safe and stable year-round, Agri Span reduces environmental stress on cows and protects against conditions that can increase the incidence of mastitis.
