Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, Department of
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
ORCID IDs
Rahman https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9520-2753
Document Type
Report
Date of this Version
2026
Citation
A report for BSEN 896: Special Topics: Infrastructure for dairy industry
Instructor: Professor Tami Brown-Brandl
Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Summary
This study investigates how ventilation systems work in dairy barns and builds a scaled model to support education and research. The project is designed to help students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), K-12 learners, and researchers in animal science, veterinary medicine, and engineering gain visual experience with dairy facility components and processes. Different ventilation methods were studied, leading to the design of a 1/64-scale tunnel-ventilated dairy barn meant for 60 Holstein Friesian cows. Barn dimensions were set based on real Holstein cow measurements to ensure proper cow comfort, while airflow requirements were calculated and scaled down. Miniature fans were installed to mimic the real airflow conditions found in a full-scale barn. The model was constructed using advanced tools from the Nebraska Innovation Studio, including a CNC ShopBot, Epilog laser cutters, and 3D printer (Bambu Lab) from Splinter Laboratories at UNL. Key features such as cows, stalls, robotic milkers, feed robots and ventilation elements were 3D-printed to create an accurate and functional representation. This hands-on model not only demonstrates how dairy barns manage air quality and temperature but also serves as a valuable resource for teaching and exploring new ideas in dairy farm design.
Included in
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons, Dairy Science Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons
Comments
Copyright 2026, M. T. Rahman. Used by permisison