Module 2. Feedlot design 3
1. Feedlot pens
Function
Feedlot pens hold cattle; provide access to feed and water; provide conditions which allow cattle to maximise their weight
gain; allow easy removal of manure; and provide free drainage.
Design features
Pen size
The dimensions of a feedlot pen depend on pen capacity, the stocking density and the amount of feed trough required. Figure
1 shows how stocking density SD, trough length TL and pen capacity relate to the dimensions of a typical feedlot pen.
Where shed structures require columns within the pen area, pen dimensions may also be determined by the spacing of the shed
frames to ensure that fences are aligned with columns.
Pen capacity
Pen capacity is best matched with the expected numbers of cattle entering or leaving the feedlot in each consignment—for example,
a standard truck load.
Stocking density
The stocking density describes how much area is allowed for each animal, and is based on the size of animals with larger
heavier cattle needing more space than smaller lighter one. It is also based on the type of housing intended. Fully covered pens
can be stocked more densely 2.5–4 m
2
per head than partially covered pens 5–9 m
2
per head.
Feed and water
Cattle must always have free access to both feed and water. The feed trough should run along the full length of the front of the
pen, while the water trough should be located towards the rear of the pen see Figure 2. Each animal must have at least 200
mm of feed trough space. See Sections 4 and 5 for further detail on feed and water troughs.
Cattle movement
Cattle must be able to be easily moved into and out of the pens. The gate should be located in one of the back corners of the
pen, and should swing across the cattle lane.
Mod 2 Design2.indd 3 150410 5:27 PM
4 Module 2. Feedlot design
Sample plans
Figure 2 – Dimensions of a single pen
W m
L m
Figure 1 – Typical layout of a feedlot pen
Stocking Density m
2
head:
SD = L x W No. of head
Trough Length mmhead:
TL = W x 1000 No. of head
Feed tr ough
Mod 2 Design2.indd 4 150410 5:27 PM
Module 2. Feedlot design 5
2. Housing systems
Kategori