Dairy foggers, also known as “misters”, are devices that use pressurized water to disperse a fog or mist throughout a barn or other livestock facility. Foggers can also be used in greenhouses.

Foggers serve several purposes, and their versatility makes them a great asset for any farm. Continue reading to learn more about how foggers are used.

How Dairy Foggers Operate

There are a large variety of foggers, ranging from smaller portable and handheld models, to larger foggers and fogging systems that can be attached to the ceiling of a dairy barn or other facility.

Regardless of their size, foggers all function similarly. To operate, a fogger is supplied with water, either via an attached tank (common for handheld models) or directly via a waterline.

The water is then pressurized, typically within the fogger system itself, and dispersed through small nozzles. The smaller nozzles create fine water droplets, which causes the water to eject as a fog or mist. This is similar in a way to how a simple spray bottle works; however, foggers offer significantly more water flow and dispersion options.

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Cooling Cattle With Barn Foggers

One of the most common uses for barn foggers is as a cooling system for cattle.

During the summer months, cattle barns can become hot, even when ventilation is maximized. Stress caused by excessive heat can cause health issues for dairy cows, and even impact their milk yield.

Foggers can be placed near stalls and used to disperse a fine water mist. When air blown from barn fans passes over livestock, evaporative cooling occurs.

This is a great cooling option for dairy farms that experience high summer temperatures but do not have easy access to a water source, like a stream, for cattle to cool themselves off naturally.

Foggers vs. Sprinklers

You may wonder what difference there is between a sprinkler system and a fogger. There are a few differences, but, in the case of foggers, the biggest difference is portability.

Sprinklers must be installed overhead in order to disperse water below onto cattle. The system must be installed throughout the barn, a water source must be connected to the sprinklers, whether that’s a direct waterline or a tank, and the entire system must be maintained.

By comparison, there are many foggers that can be filled with water, or connected to a simple hose system, and used sparingly. Foggers are also versatile.

Unlike a sprinkler system, most foggers can be used to disperse more than water — this includes chemicals important for livestock biosecurity.

Foggers For Barn Biosecurity

Because raising livestock is so demanding, farm equipment should not only be rugged but also versatile. Foggers are no exception.

Besides their obvious advantages in cooling cattle, foggers can also be used for biosecurity. Most are designed to handle a range of chemicals, and are made from corrosion resistant materials to improve their longevity.

Like dispersing a fine mist of water, foggers can be used to disperse disinfectant solutions. Foggers can help disinfect livestock stalls between use. For barns with PVC wall panels installed, disinfection with foggers is even more effective.

Additionally, foggers can help to quickly disinfect farm equipment — this is especially true when using a portable handheld fogger.

Using A Fogger To Help Groom Livestock

Foggers can even be used to help groom cattle. Small, portable foggers can be filled with either a mixture of water and alcohol or a grooming solution. The fogger can quickly and evenly apply the solution to the livestock’s coat.

After the application, the coat can be brushed a final time, helping to remove debris and creating a beautiful finish.

This is a great way to quickly prep dairy cows and other livestock on the morning of a show or a sale.

Livestock Foggers And Parts From Farmer Boy

If you are in need of a fogger for your barn, or want to replace your old foggers, Farmer Boy has a wide selection of fogging equipment, parts, and accessories.

Shop our full selection of foggers to find exactly what you need. Not sure what model or part will work for you? Give us a call at 1-800-845-3374 for assistance finding the right solution.