Cow barns are facilities where cows are kept for milking and in some cases for meat production. There are several synonyms for cow barns such as cowhouse, cattle shed, cowshed, dairy barn, and milking parlor. Cowhouses are usually large buildings that provide ample space for cows to roam freely. Cattle sheds serve as temporary shelter for cows that are grazed in pastures, while cowsheds are permanent structures where cows are kept for longer periods. Dairy barns are specialized buildings designed for milking cows, and milking parlors are enclosed areas where cows are milked using specialized equipment. Regardless of the term used, cow barns all serve the same purpose of providing shelter and care for cows.