– Steve Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist
One way of reducing mud in a feedlot is to reduce the amount of clean water entering the area. Below are listed some common facilities for diverting clean water away from the yard. In all cases, these structures need to be maintained.
* Waterways, small terraces, and roof gutters direct water away from livestock yards.
* An earthen ridge or terrace can be constructed across the slope upgrade from a livestock yard to prevent runoff from entering the yard.
* If a diversion terrace is not practical, a catch basin with a tile outlet could be installed above the livestock yard.
Runoff Control Systems: Some feedlot pens have an earthen surface that has been compacted by animal traffic. The soil is sometimes dry and sometimes muddy. Manure typically accumulates on the surface, and decaying manure is mixed into the soil by foot traffic.
Water running off concrete pads and water from roofs and upslope areas can flush manure from the yard and create mud holes. Runoff control systems can help remedy problem situations. These systems collect livestock contaminated yard runoff, settle out manure solids, and direct the remaining water to vegetative filter strips, and away from streams, ditches, waterways, and areas of permeable soils and creviced bedrock. Clean water is diverted away from the system to avoid contamination and further treatment. Another option is to collect and store contaminated open lot runoff for later land application.
Yard Cleaning or Scraping: Concrete surfaces are easier to clean than earthen lots. Earthen yards are difficult to clean when wet, and tend to accumulate more solids than is desirable.
The surface of an earthen feedlot is actually a series of layers due to density differences. The top manure layer is 40 pounds to 60 pounds per cubic foot, while the compacted manure/soil layer immediately below has density of 60 pounds to 100 pounds per cubic foot. Compacted layers of manure and soil can provide an effective seal.
| Manure – Least Dense – Scrape |
| Manure – Soil Layer – Do not scrape |
| Soil Layer – Most Dense – Do not scrape |
Before scraping, consider using a screwdriver (or other device) to determine the depth to the hard layer. Push until you feel resistance. Repeat the test several locations throughout the pen and use these measurements as a guide to control the depth of scraping, and actually scrape an inch or two above the hard layer to maintain the soil/manure layer as well. The entire pen does not always have to be scraped. Much of the manure falls within about 50 feet of the feedbunk.
Reducing manure wetness and feedlot ponding is an important aspect of groundwater protection and odor control. Manure accumulation beneath fence lines can impound water. Fill any low areas via scraping to reduce the potential for ponding. Ideally, pens should be scraped prior to wet weather to help maintain a firm manure pack and prevent ponding.