Indian Veterinary Research Institute develops eco-friendly roofing from cow dung to beat heat stress in livestock

BAREILLY: Scientists at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have developed a low-cost, eco-friendly bio-composite roofing material made from cow dung and waste sheep wool that significantly reduces heat stress in livestock sheds, a development that could benefit dairy and livestock farmers, particularly during peak summer months.According to researchers, the material is produced by combining dung from indigenous cattle breeds with sheep wool, much of which remains underutilised due to the textile industry’s shift towards synthetic fibres.The mixture is blended with a natural binder and compressed into sheets that can be used as roofing for livestock shelters.“All the materials we have used are completely natural and biological in origin, with no synthetic component.

That is what makes this a true bio-composite,” said Dr Ayon Tarafdar, scientist at IVRI.He added, “In our trials, sheds fitted with this roofing remained significantly cooler, and animals showed lower stress levels, better feed intake and improved growth compared with those housed under conventional roofing.”Researchers said the innovation could be particularly useful for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford cooling infrastructure, such as fans or coolers for animal sheds.According to Dr Tarafdar, reducing heat stress in livestock is associated with improved fertility, higher milk yields and better disease resistance.Dr Jaya Qamar, who worked on the project with Dr Tarafdar, said the innovation was the result of sustained collaborative research. “This is the outcome of dedicated work over several months, and we are hopeful it can be scaled up to reach farmers directly once the patent process is complete,” she said.IVRI will apply for a patent for the technology and plans to present the findings before its institute management committee before exploring avenues for commercial production, researchers said.Stay updated with the latest Bareilly news.

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