The design of livestock housing profoundly affects welfare through its influence on social dynamics, cleanliness, temperature, and behavioral opportunity.
Housing design decisions made at construction last for 20-30 years and permanently affect welfare outcomes for every animal cycled through the building. Good design prevents problems that no management intervention can fully solve — slippery floors causing injuries, inadequate ventilation causing disease, and insufficient space preventing normal behavior. Investment in welfare-centered design has the best long-term return.