Why Winter Humidity Happens (and Why it Matters)
In winter, livestock barns often become more sealed to keep animals warm. Unfortunately, that means:
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Moisture from breath, urine, and manure accumulates indoors
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Cold air holds less moisture, so moisture condenses on surfaces
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Humidity levels rise when ventilation is minimized to save heat
Excess humidity paired with poor ventilation can lead to:
✔ buildup of ammonia air quality issues
✔ respiratory irritation
✔ damp bedding that holds odors and bacteria
✔ discomfort for animals and handlers alike.
Balancing Ventilation & Warmth
Getting humidity under control without freezing your barn might sound impossible — but you don’t have to choose between warmth and fresh air. Prioritized ventilation is key:
✔ Use controlled airflow — vents and fans — to exchange moist indoor air with dry outside air, without creating cold drafts on your animals.
✔ Even brief daily exchanges of air can lower humidity and reduce ammonia buildup.
✔ Opening barn doors during the warmest part of the day helps flush humidity without significant heat loss.
Maintaining that balance keeps the air fresher and your livestock breathing easier.
Bedding & Cleaning: Your First Defense
Clean, dry bedding is a foundation of humidity control. Daily spot cleaning and regular bedding refreshes keep moisture where it belongs — in the material designed to absorb it, rather than in the air.
But even with diligent cleaning, ammonia and odors can build up from waste and damp bedding — and this is where smart solutions can make a big difference.
How Flextran’s SciZyme Helps With Winter Barn Humidity
Sometimes, routine cleaning isn’t enough, especially when barns are closed up tight for winter. That’s where SciZyme Concentrate comes in — an enzyme-based spray formulated to break down organic waste and neutralize odors and ammonia at the source.
Here’s how SciZyme works for your barn:
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Bio-enzyme action: When applied to bedding and pen floors, SciZyme’s enzymes help digest organic waste that contributes to ammonia and moisture buildup — rather than just masking the smell.
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Reduced ammonia levels: Lower ammonia means fresher, less humid air — which helps respiratory health for your animals and makes the barn more pleasant for you.
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Safe for animals and people: SciZyme is designed for livestock use, so you can spray bedding, stalls, and high-traffic areas without worry.
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Easy application: Just mix the concentrate with water and spray on bedding or in areas prone to moisture and odor.
Using SciZyme as part of your cleaning routine helps break the cycle of odors and humidity that winter conditions often create.
Winter Barn Checklist: Stay Ahead of Humidity
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Inspect and adjust ventilation systems before conditions get too cold.
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Spot-clean and remove soiled bedding daily.
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Use absorbent bedding materials and refresh as needed.
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Apply SciZyme regularly to help control moisture and ammonia at the source.
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Monitor air quality — if you smell ammonia at animal level, it’s time to take action.
