Cattle Sheds

Cattle Sheds

Purpose-built cattle sheds protect livestock from extreme heat, cold, and wet weather, reducing stress, improving weight gain, and simplifying management. Whether you’re running a feedlot, dairy operation, or breeding program, the right shelter infrastructure improves animal welfare and productivity.

Every Shedz cattle shed is steel portal frame construction with COLORBOND® cladding, engineered for your specific site conditions.

Cattle Shed Types

Feedlot Shade Structures

Open shade structures are the most cost-effective way to protect cattle from heat stress. Research from Meat & Livestock Australia shows that shade reduces heat load index by 30-50%, directly improving feed conversion ratios and daily weight gain. Typical configuration: clearspan roof over feed pads, 4.5m+ clearance, open sides for maximum airflow.

Holding Yards and Covered Yards

Covered yards protect both cattle and handlers during drafting, drenching, tagging, and loading. A roof over the yard means you work in all weather. Steel yard infrastructure, races, crushes, loading ramps, integrates with the shed structure.

Calf Sheds

Young cattle are more vulnerable to weather extremes. Enclosed or semi-enclosed calf sheds with proper ventilation protect calves from wind, rain, and temperature swings during the critical first weeks.

Bull Sheds

Secure individual housing for bulls, heavier construction, reinforced panels, and robust door/gate systems. Often combined with handling infrastructure.

Cattle Shed Specifications

Design Considerations for Cattle

• No sharp edges: all steel edges, bolt heads, and bracket corners must be protected or recessed. Cattle rub against everything
• Ventilation first: cattle generate significant body heat and moisture. Open or semi-open designs prevent humidity buildup and respiratory disease
• Drainage: cattle sheds produce large volumes of effluent. Floor design must handle drainage to prevent pooling. Effluent management plans may be required by council
• Height: minimum 4m clearance for cattle sheds (higher for feedlot shade structures to maximise airflow)
• Durability: cattle are hard on infrastructure. Heavier gauge cladding on lower walls, protective rails at animal height, and robust door/gate systems

Cattle Shed Cost Guide

• Feedlot shade (18m x 30m, open): $35,000 to $60,000 kit supply
• Covered yards (12m x 24m): $30,000 to $50,000 kit supply
• Calf shed (9m x 15m, semi-enclosed): $18,000 to $30,000 kit supply

Kit includes steel frame, cladding, and engineering. Yard infrastructure (rails, races, crushes) and concrete are additional. Design your cattle shed online or call 0488 510 550.

See also: Farm Sheds | Livestock Sheds | Dairy Sheds | Hay Sheds