A livestock enclosure is a structure built to contain and protect animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs. The walls are typically constructed of wood, metal panels or wire mesh, but plastic wall materials are becoming increasingly more common due to the features and benefits that they bring over traditional materials.
Durability - Plastic materials, such as Foamlite (Uniboard), are highly durable and resistant to rot, corrosion, and weathering. They can withstand harsh environmental conditions better than wood and metal, leading to a longer lifespan for the enclosure.
Low maintenance: Plastic walls require minimal maintenance compared to wood and metal. They do not need to be painted, stained, or treated regularly to prevent decay or rust. Cleaning plastic walls is often as simple as hosing them down, making them more time and cost-effective in the long run.
Resistance to pests: Unlike wood, which can be susceptible to termite damage and other pest infestations, plastics are resistant to pests, fungi, and mould. This reduces the risk of structural damage and the need for pest control measures.
Ease of installation: Plastic materials are lightweight and easy to work with, making them simpler and quicker to install compared to heavy wood or metal panels. This can result in lower labour costs and faster construction of livestock enclosures.
Safety: Plastic walls are generally smoother and have fewer sharp edges compared to metal and wire mesh, reducing the risk of injury to animals. They also do not splinter like wood, further enhancing safety for both livestock and handlers.
Dotmar has qualified engineers that can provide direct support with plastic livestock enclosure wall material selection.
Horse Stable
Foamlite (Uniboard) infills offer a good alternative to wood.
Yard Enclosures
UV and weather resistant offer long life and low maintenance.
Horse Float Wall Linings
A smooth alternative that reduces the risk of injury to animals.
Dog Enclosures
Plastics won’t absorb odours are easy to clean
Calf Enclosure
Partitioning for calves made from white UV stabilised Foamlite (Uniboard).
Protective Wall Linings
Protecting the sides hydrotherapy pools and minimising the risk of injury to the horse.
Material selection is a critical consideration when choosing a plastic for bushes and bearings, as it directly impacts the performance, durability, and maintenance requirements of these components. Here are some key material selection considerations for plastic wall enclosures for livestock:
UV & Weather Exposure
For outdoor applications it is imperative that the material is UV stabilized and weather resistant to ensure that a suitably long service life is achieved.
Water & Rot Resistance
Some materials (namely wood products) will swell and rot when exposed to water for extended periods. Plastics generally are unaffected by water.
Corrosion
For this application, corrosion is normally as a result of metal rusting, and not chemical attack. Plastic does not rust like metals, but also has excellent chemical resistance if there are harsh chemicals used for cleaning or disinfection.
Regulatory Requirements
Does the application have regulatory requirements such as non-toxic to animals if accidentally ingested.
Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion of the material should be taken into consideration with regard to the design and how the panels are fastened.
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