Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Cattle Feedlots in ...

APPENDIX 2 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF CATTLE FEEDLOTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
1. Siting
Feedlots must be sited so as to minimise the potential for adverse impacts on the
community and the environment.
Feedlots must not be sited above groundwater resources which are vulnerable to
contamination.
Feedlots must not be sited in flood prone areas
2. Pen Floor Preparation
Class 1 and 2 - Graded and compacted foundation of clay soil having low, intermediate
and high plasticity, clayey sands or clayey gravels. Surface of compacted rubble or
clayey gravel. See more detail in section 8 for pen floor construction method.
Class 3 - Graded and compacted foundation of clay soil having low, intermediate and
high plasticity, clayey sands or clayey gravels. Note:- sandy soils are not suitable as a
class 3 pen floor. For all year round feedlots on sandy soils pen floors should match
class1 & 2 specifications.
Class 4 – no special preparation. It is expected that a crop will be grown on these areas
in the non-feeding season.
3. Pen Slope
Class 1 & 2 - 3% - 4% away from feeding area
Class 3 & 4 - 2% - 6% away from feeding area
Cross slope must not be greater than front to back slope to minimize pen to pen
drainage.
4. Pen Dimensions
Pen width must allow sufficient space for feeding cattle at the feeding method and
frequency specified in the plans
Pen depth will depend on the number of cattle to be fed in the pen and the stocking
density subject to the following limitations
o For a 2% or 3% slope the maximum pen depth is 65 metres
o For a 4% slope the maximum pen depth is 60 metres
o For a 5% slope the maximum pen depth is 55 metres
o For a 6% slope the maximum pen depth is 50 metres
5. Feed Troughs and Feeders – essential features
located at the top of the pen slope
designed to minimize wastage of feed
easily cleaned
sides meet the ground at right angles
free draining to prevent accumulation of rainwater
located on a durable apron capable of withstanding the passage of cleaning machinery
apron slopes away from the feeder/trough
apron allows a minimum standing width for the cattle of 2.5 metres
6. Water Troughs – essential features
located in the bottom half of the pen
float valve protected to minimize wastage of water
drainage during cleaning is directed out of the pen
sides meet the ground at right angles
located on a durable concrete apron capable of withstanding the passage of cleaning
Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Cattle Feedlots in South Australia, 2 nd Edition 78