Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ID-202
Agriculture and Natural Resources • Family and Consumer Sciences • 4-H Youth Development • Community and Economic Development
EXTENSION
K entucky’s cattle industry represents
the largest beef cattle herd east of the
Mississippi, ranking eighth in the nation
for number of beef cows. This industry
is extremely important to Kentucky’s
economy. However, pollution can come
from a variety of sources on cattle opera-
tions. Pasture-based systems with little
or no vegetation, confinement facilities
operated without a comprehensive nutri-
ent management strategy, or any opera-
tion that does not implement appropriate
best management practices (BMPs) can
degrade natural resources that agricul- Figure 1. The cattle on this stocker operation have overgrazed the area and have direct
tural producers, and all Kentuckians, access to surface water, a combination that pollutes the water resources.
depend on for scenic beauty, recreation,
and health and safety.
Environmental regulatory agencies tive productivity, post-partum recovery environmental compliance or shut down.
pay attention to cattle operations, and in cows, and growth rates in offspring. Producers need to consider a holistic ap-
specifically backgrounding and stocker In addition, the forage regrows more proach when planning an intensive beef
operations, because many facilities have quickly and plant diversity is greater than cattle production enterprise. Take the fol-
the potential to discharge nutrients, sedi- in continuously-grazed systems, resulting lowing site evaluation and environmental
ment, pathogens, and other pollutants to in increased cattle productivity and pas- factors into account when choosing a site
the surface and groundwater. These dis- ture yields. These BMPs also protect the for a production operation.
charges degrade valuable water resourc- environment by conserving vegetation,
es, put human health at risk, and make which filters runoff and prevents erosion. Topography and Drainage
producers vulnerable to environmental This simple example demonstrates that Usually the rougher the topography
fines that can be as much as $25,000 per BMPs can protect the environment while (hills, steep slopes), the more drainages
day. It is not the intent of environmental also improving livestock production. and streams are present. These drainages
regulators to punish livestock producers. This publication discusses site evalua- can transport nutrients and other pollut-
In many cases, regulators try to mitigate tion strategies, production area manage- ants to streams and nearby water bodies,
pollution problems by cooperating with ment techniques, and a variety of facility so their location relative to new facili-
producers and local conservation dis- types for intensive cattle production that ties must be considered during the site
tricts. preserve natural resources and improve selection process. A slope of at least 2%
One legal requirement that can re- production. Proper selection of facilities is needed to provide drainage and avoid
solve many pollution issues is an imple- and management systems and imple- standing water, but any slope above 6%
mented Agricultural Water Quality Plan mentation of BMPs can help producers should be avoided because it is difficult to
(AWQP), which involves the installation achieve regulatory compliance and cre- control the drainage at higher slopes, and
of site-specific BMPs. Some producers ate a sustainable operation that can be pollutants could be released to the waters
view environmental regulations and passed on safely to the next generation. of the Commonwealth. Ideally, producers
the required Kentucky AWQP as an should site cattle facilities on land with a
“iron fist” approach for protection of the Site Evaluation and slope between 2 and 6%; however, excava-
environment. On the contrary, BMPs Environmental Factors tion of less-than-ideal land is an option.
have been designed by scientists and Economic factors also need to be
land-grant university researchers, and if Many problems can arise if the
weighed when selecting a site. Construc-
implemented and managed effectively, location for the production area is not
tion of an elaborate production system
they can actually improve productivity carefully chosen. There have been cases
is expensive on hilly land, but because
for beef cattle producers. For example, where nothing could be done to correct
this land typically costs much less than
if managed properly, rotational grazing the pollution issues of existing open
prime farmland, that expense might be
and proper grazing use, two BMPs rec- feedlot facilities because the location
offset. Flat ground is preferable because
ommended by the Kentucky AWQP, give was not selected with environmental
it requires a smaller footprint for a con-
cattle an adequate amount of high-qual- impacts in mind. These facilities were
finement operation, and it facilitates
ity forage, which can improve reproduc- ultimately forced to either spend an
the transportation and land application
exorbitant amount of money to achieve
2
of manure, but the cost of flat land is ent purposes. Soil information, however, the nutrients from leaching into ground
typically higher. However, the desirable only provides a general site assessment and surface waters.
attributes of flat land in addition to the and does not eliminate the need for more Well-drained soils are best for produc-
environmental benefits may offset the specific engineering measurements. ing crops and providing the optimum
initial cost over time. Soil is invaluable for livestock op- environment for the mineralization of
Many producers choose less produc- erations, as it beneficially reuses the nutrients found in manures. The perme-
tive ground for building confinement nutrients in animal manure and can save ability rate should be at least 0.2 inches
operations, but these producers must be producers money; however, the soil type per hour. The soil profile should not have
careful to place the facilities on summit affects the yield potential of crops and a restrictive layer to a depth of 40 inches.
positions. The adjoining slopes can be the ability of that soil to adsorb and break A silt-loam texture is preferred with a
used for grazing or feedlot production, down nutrients. There are basically two black or dark brown colored topsoil. The
but BMPs should be used to manage types of processes that control the benefi- subsoil should be colored either reddish-
runoff and prevent off-site discharge of cial reuse of nutrients in manure: biologi- brown or yellowish-brown. There should
pollutants. Ideally, drainages or swales cal and chemical. A basic understanding be no gray mottling throughout because
should not be used for feeding areas of how these mechanisms work to in- this is an indication of poor drainage or
because they convey pollutants. Instead, crease soil fertility beyond sustainable flooding—the application area should
fence these areas to exclude livestock and concentrations is needed to understand never be placed in a floodplain. Likewise,
allow the vegetation to filter runoff. why BMPs are recommended, because the slopes should be between 0 and 3%.
Fifty percent of Kentucky’s topography an increase in fertility can ultimately
is moderate or heavy karst. In these areas, result in discharges of pollutants to the Climate
the landscape is composed of limestone environment. Precipitation and other sources of
bedrock that dissolves after years of rain First, the beneficial bacteria in soil moisture can create challenges for waste
and runoff. The limestone caves beneath use biological processes to change ma- management and mud prevention. For
the soil and the conduits that lead to them nure into nutrients that plants can use. backgrounding and stocker operations,
(swallow holes, sinkholes, sinking streams, There are literally billions of beneficial less precipitation or moisture makes
blue holes, etc.) provide a means for sur- bacteria in soil that can destroy harmful environmental compliance much easier.
face water pollution to reach groundwater pathogens and break down pollutants Figure 2 shows that the eastern United
resources. This potential is of concern for into harmless substances. However, if the States has a moisture surplus, and that
confinement feeding operations, since water table is high, oxygen in the soil may most of Kentucky has a surplus of at least
nutrient runoff from backgrounding be insufficient to support these beneficial 10 inches, meaning that precipitation
operations in the surface water can easily bacteria, and contaminants released into exceeds evaporation by more than 10
reach groundwater resources that are of- the soil could pollute groundwater and inches each year. Therefore, background-
ten used to supply drinking water to rural create a discharge from the site. ing and stocker operators in this part of
communities. Account for karst features Second, there are chemical processes the country must carefully consider the
during the site selection process by pro- that use the charge of ions to adsorb nu- effects of precipitation when selecting
tecting them with vegetative buffers and trients to soil particles, which prevents and managing facilities.
by placing facilities as far away as possible.
In addition, never use karst features for
waste holding ponds or any type of waste
disposal or construct waste holding ponds
anywhere above them—karst features are
easily contaminated.
Soils
When selecting a site, use soil maps
to examine soil properties in terms of
building site development, septic sys-
tems, crop production, construction
materials, and water management. Soil
types have multiple influences on founda-
tions for facilities, absorption of effluent
from septic fields, utilization of nutrients,
and ability to create holding ponds for
liquid manures. The soil type, depth of
soil, depth to water, depth to rock, and
rock characteristics are all factors that
contribute to a soil’s suitability for differ- Figure 2. Regional moisture deficits and surpluses in the United States.
3
In addition to an overall moisture
surplus, Kentucky gets about the same
amount of precipitation each month,
while other factors like cloud cover vary
month to month. The more cloud cover
in a given month, the less potential for
evaporation and higher temperatures,
so in months with more cloud cover,
the moisture surplus poses even more
of a problem for cattle operations. In
Kentucky, these cloudy months often
occur in the winter, causing mud and
degraded pen conditions. These concepts
are demonstrated by Figure 3, which also
demonstrates why environmental agen-
cies have issues with cattle operations
utilizing outdoor unimproved earthen
lots, especially in the winter.
Figure 3. High precipitation and cloud cover in the winter create mud and degraded con-
Microclimate ditions for cattle operations.
Microclimate encompasses site-spe-
cific weather issues like prevailing wind,
orientation of the facilities, and solar Providing a permanent roofed struc- needed to protect the environment. So,
radiation. The location of the facility in ture can be expensive, so consider using when choosing a site, you should con-
respect to prevailing wind direction and portable shade structures to provide sider the cost and technology needed to
the proximity of neighbors downwind of relief from solar radiation. These struc- upgrade properly.
the production facility can have a bearing tures can be moved as cattle are moved Producers often expand livestock
on how the production facility functions to adjacent pastures. If a roofed shelter enterprises to the limits of operational
and is perceived. is not feasible, provide windbreaks in constraints to maximize profits and lower
There is much debate on whether the cold season. Elevate constructed costs. Therefore, when selecting a site for
animals need structures to protect them windbreaks on mounds to allow cattle the initial facility, take into account extra
from the rain, winter winds, and solar to reach higher ground that drains, thus space that may be needed to expand and
radiation. Cattle can handle extreme limiting mud creation. Wooded areas remodel in the future without negatively
cold but not heat combined with high or constructed windbreaks can provide affecting the environment. Expansion
humidity. Given that Kentucky’s climate shelterbelts for animals and provide a includes all aspects related to the infra-
is temperate, with mild, wet winters and buffer for neighbors downwind of the structure used for a production operation,
hot, humid summers, operators should facilities. They should be planned during such as buildings, structures, courtyards,
focus on protecting cattle from solar the site selection process. Woodlands or roads, and fences. The location of these
radiation, winter winds, and moisture. windbreaks should be created to protect structures also affects the organization of
To provide protection from solar radia- cattle from storms originating from the utilities (electricity, natural gas, and water).
tion, orient beef cattle shade structures north and east. It is not advisable to give Planning for expansion needs to take into
in an east-west direction. Site rectangular cattle full access to trees because the foot account soils, drainage, protection from
barns for winter feeding so that the back traffic can expose the roots and kill the weather, and space requirements. Other
side protects cattle from the prevailing trees. issues that need to be considered are
winter wind, which in Kentucky comes the locations for sewer, fuel storage for
from the south or southwest. Orient Remodeling and Expansion equipment, and methods of solid waste
open-sided buildings to the southeast Many sites considered for back- disposal. Consult a professional agricul-
so that solar radiation can dry the ap- grounding operations have some pre- tural engineer to design a facility that
proaches into the barn and driving rains existing infrastructure. However, older can be expanded with minimal negative
from the south can be avoided. In addi- livestock facilities were not constructed environmental effect.
tion, create hardened surfaces in barns with the environment in mind. Remod-
and under shade structures to limit the eling can be performed on existing
creation of mud, which can also draw structures, but the finished facilities
heat and energy out of animals. will probably lack the holistic approach
4
Production Area
Management
Livestock producers need to develop
a holistic plan for the production area
to increase efficiency and protect the
environment. The production area for a
cattle facility is more than just a barn for
housing animals; it also includes pastures,
drainageways, ponds, feed and manure
storage structures, loading/unloading
areas, feeding areas, animal housing, and
dead animal disposal facilities. Manage
the production area properly to enhance
animal health and herd production while
also preventing the discharge of pollutants
that can pose a threat to the environment
and human health. These goals can be
accomplished by strategically choosing Figure 4. Mud accumulation in this earthen lot requires cattle to consume additional feed
and implementing management practices, to generate more energy and maintain performance.
structures, and facilities. For example,
cattle feed efficiency increases if the feed-
ing area is kept clear of mud and manure just after arriving to the farm. How- to obtain water. This practice promotes
(Table 1, Figure 4). Choosing a facility that ever, allowing livestock access to streams uniform pasture grazing and an even
minimizes mud, diverts clean water, and causes many problems. First, these distribution of the nutrients contained
provides a system for collecting manures surface waters, including streams and in manure.
improves system efficiency while protect- ponds, can contain a variety of pathogens
ing the environment, a win-win situation. that can cause herd health to deteriorate. Surface Types
Improving herd production starts Many producers claim that cattle prefer There are two basic types of sur-
with creating an optimum environment. to drink from sources that people might faces used in cattle facilities: earthen
To optimize cattle performance, health, consider unclean, such as ponds in which and paved. Many times producers have
and efficiency, provide livestock with animals loaf and even excrete urine unpaved surfaces that were created ac-
clean unfrozen drinking water, air flow, and feces or streams in which polluted cidentally from areas that used to contain
and forages. In general, provide animals surface runoff water flows. Scientific vegetation but have eroded away into an
with an environment that includes studies show, however, that animals that earthen or dirt lot (Figure 5). Using "acci-
shade, windbreaks, adequate space, and have access to clean water outperform dental" eroded surfaces is not the correct
structures that reduce the generation of cattle that drink polluted, or otherwise way to establish a feeding area. Feeding
mud, such as mounds, roofed shelter, and dirty (i.e., pathogens, sediment, algae, areas must be planned, created, and
appropriate hardened surfaces. etc.) water. In addition, allowing cattle maintained intentionally and properly.
access to surface water pollutes the water The pressure sustained by the feeding-
Drinking Water Sources downstream, where it may be used for area surface needs to be considered. A
Clean drinking water is necessary for drinking water or recreation. Exclude cattle hoof applies more pressure on
optimum production. An average-sized cattle from all water bodies such as ponds a surface than a human foot or a D9
animal consumes approximately 10 to and streams. Establish alternative water bulldozer (Table 2). Because cattle can
20 gallons of water per day. Supplying sources, including developed springs, disturb soil more than a bulldozer can,
water for a large number of animals can gravity-fed structures below ponds, and the surface for a feeding area needs to
be a significant cost, depending on the city water sources, so that grazing cattle be planned to reduce disturbance and
water source. Some producers use natu- do not have to travel more than 600 feet the generation of mud. Different surface
ral water sources like
streams because they
believe that cattle pre- Table 1. Relationship between mud depth and feed efficiency.1 Table 2. Pressure created by differ-
fer to drink from open Additional ent stressors.
water bodies instead Mud Feed Intake Daily Gains Feed Required Pressure
of fountains, especially Depth (in) (Difference, %) (Difference, %) (Difference, %) Stressors (psi)
4-8 -15 - -8 -14 12 – 13 Human 13.8
12 - 24 -30 -25 20 - 25 D9 CAT Dozer (Track) 16.1
1 Alberta Feedlot Management Guide. Cattle 26.8
5
types can withstand varying degrees
of pressure (Table 3). The surface cho-
sen to hold and feed cattle must be
stronger than the pressure that cattle
traffic applies, and concrete is the best
choice for this application because it
is the strongest. If concrete cannot be
used for the entire feeding area, use it
near feed bunks, waterers, or anywhere
cattle congregate. Other surfaces that
can withstand large amounts of pressure
and reduce mud generation include com
pacted gravel and compacted clay. It is
unacceptable to make no improvements
and to use only topsoil for a feedlot.
Create adequate surfaces to support
cattle by installing heavy-use area pads
on stable soils and using the appropriate
layers and thickness of rock along with Figure 5. An earthen lot used to hold cattle with no runoff structures or BMPs to control
the recommended non-woven geotextile off-site movement of pollutants.
fabric. Other types of surfaces can be
created using lime-stabilized soils, coal
combustion by-products, blends using To eliminate the creation of ruts, place adequate drainage (Table 4). Slopes of 2
cement, or placed concrete. concrete or heavy-use area pads around to 4% are recommended for paved areas
There are two types of coal com- all waterers, feed troughs and other feed- to facilitate cleaning. Slopes of 4 to 6% are
bustion by-products: Flue Gas Desul- ing areas, hospital pens, and areas where recommended for unpaved feeding areas,
furization (FGD) and fly ash. FGD is a animals congregate. Finish concrete with but the runoff still needs to be controlled
dewatered mixture containing sulfites, a grooved surface to provide traction and and managed, as unpaved surfaces can
sulfates, lime, and some water and is a reduce slipping. Do not place an open lot produce as much runoff as paved surfaces
self-cementing product. Fly ash is avail- on a slope greater than 6%, because it will because of the undulations caused by
able as Class C and Class F. Class C is a be too difficult to control runoff. When hoof pugging.
self-cementing product, but it is not read- cattle are housed in open lots with mini-
ily available. Class F needs to be mixed mal slope for drainage, install mounds or Stocking Density
with cement to become a self-cementing roofed structures to limit the creation of No matter what surface a producer
product. Proportions need to be blended mud and provide a dry place for cattle to decides to use for a facility, the stocking
based on the characteristics of the mate- bed down. density has an effect on the amount of
rial. Pads should be constructed between The space needed to adequately mud and manure generated. High stock-
May and September to provide warm house cattle depends on the surface ing density results in the deposition of
temperatures for optimum curing. Do not and climatic conditions; however, a more manure on less surface area, which
use a pad for 28 days after construction paved feeding area generally requires requires frequent bedding changes or
so that curing can take place. Consult an less space per animal compared to an scraping to maintain a dry, manure-free
experienced engineer when planning to unpaved area (Table 4). The surface type area. Additionally, a high stocking den-
install FGD or fly ash pads. also affects the slope needed to provide sity in unimproved lots means more foot
6
traffic over a given area. High moisture
conditions combined with high foot
traffic allows moisture deeper into the
soil, which causes a deep layer of mud to
form. Installing mounds within open lots
reduces mud generation by providing an
area that drains.
7
Recommended Facilities
Generally speaking, across the United
States there are three different kinds of
beef housing facilities for intensive cattle
production: open lot, barn with lot, and
total confinement. Variations within each
system exist when surfaces, mounds, and
shade are included in the design. When
considering any beef housing system, the
most important factor to take into ac-
count is that the facility is not allowed to
have any sediment, pathogens, nutrients,
or any other form of pollution move off-
site. Simply put, there cannot be a dis-
charge of pollutants leaving the operation.
Out of the three different types of
housing systems, total confinement is
ideal because of the high moisture condi-
Figure 7. A poorly managed manure storage pond with inadequate freeboard space.
tions in Kentucky. Open lots and partial
confinement are not ideal, but they can
be utilized providing proper site selec- such as hay, it becomes a stackable solid. adequate slope to allow manure with a
tion, stocking rates, and BMPs are in A covered manure stack pad would also high solids content to move by gravity to
place. be necessary with this type of system to the area where it can be pumped out.
Typically there are multiple benefits provide the capacity needed to store ma- A ventilation system should be in-
to the producer, cattle, and environment nure until it is land-applied immediately cluded in confinement structures, as
when a producer transitions from open before a crop is actively growing. the humidity in Kentucky can create
lots to confinement systems, including A slatted floor system (Figure 8) can be less-than-ideal conditions within the
the following: used and managed well if it utilizes deep facility for optimum cattle production.
• Animal comfort and feed efficiency pits capable of holding manures for long Proper ventilation can enhance animal
generally increase. periods of time (180 days). The ability to comfort by improving air movement and
• Cost is reduced. divert roof runoff into the pits to be used may reduce sloppy conditions.
• Clean water is easily diverted, and the on an as-needed basis allows producers A totally enclosed production facil-
amount of liquid that must be man- to dilute the manure and breaks up the ity is usually the most expensive option
aged is reduced. solids for land application (Figure 9). The when looking simply at the cost per head;
bottom floor of the pit needs to have an however, the cost for this type of holistic
Covered Confined Facility
An ideal backgrounding facility for
Kentucky is a totally covered facility
with a concrete or slatted floor. A totally
confined facility could include a liquid-
based system that requires a holding
pond or lagoon; however, producers
should instead move towards a solids
or slurry-based manure management
system. Outdoor liquid-based systems
are more expensive and difficult to man-
age than a slurry or solids-based system,
mostly because Kentucky receives a lot of
precipitation, and managing an outdoor
liquid manure storage system includes
managing unpredictable and otherwise
clean rainwater.
A solids-based manure system re-
quires stackable solid manure. Most
cattle manure is a slurry, but if mixed
with either a bedding or waste forage, Figure 8. A confinement facility with a slatted floor and deep manure storage pit.
8
management may not be much greater
than other options in the long run. This
type of structure can help producers
eliminate environmental compliance
costs and can increase production ef-
ficiency, which increases profits. When
bedded or scraped properly, total con-
finement facilities allow for a higher
stocking density than open lots, and the
valuable manure can be easily removed
and used as fertilizer. Confinement fa-
cilities decrease the land area needed for
holding animals and reduce the amount
of water that must be managed. Cattle
can even gain better in confinement, if
managed properly.
9
running off the unpaved feeding area.
Inter-seed the areas adjacent to open lots
that receive runoff from those lots with
forages suitable for hay production that
are capable of removing nutrients (i.e.,
timothy, orchardgrass, and perennial
rye). These forages filter, trap, and utilize
nutrients that are then removed from the
facility with grazing or with harvesting
the forage for hay. For more information
about this BMP, see the University of
Kentucky Cooperative Extension pub-
lication Enhanced Vegetative Strips for
Livestock Facilities (ID-189). Producers
could also allow these areas to drain to a Figure 12. A poorly managed open feedlot that discharges polluted runoff directly into a
stream.
liquid storage system such as a lagoon.
Open Feedlot location of environmentally sensitive and requires producers to inspect their
Open feedlot designs are the least- areas (sinkholes, streams, springs, drain- facilities and keep records of manure
suitable facility type for backgrounding ageways, ponds, etc.), manure handling management practices. If a discharge
operations in Kentucky. These facili- areas, and animal housing and feeding does occur and cannot be controlled,
ties are not well-suited for Kentucky’s areas (winter feeding areas, feed bunks, the producer might need to obtain a
climate, as high temperatures, humid- etc.). These areas in a pasture or produc- Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimina-
ity, and precipitation decrease animal tion area have the greatest potential for tion System (KPDES) permit instead of
performance and increase the volume off-site movement of pollutants. a KNDOP. To get a KNDOP, a producer
of polluted water that needs to be man- BMPs are required by law to achieve must have a current Agriculture Water
aged. In addition to hot, humid summers, environmental compliance and conserve Quality Plan (AWQP) and a Nutrient
Kentucky winters are too wet to prevent natural resources. The local conserva- Management Plan (NMP).
excessive mud generation and too cold tion district and Natural Resources An AWQP describes the BMPs that
to allow vegetation to actively grow and Conservation Service (NRCS) office are a producer is employing in any of six
hold soil in place. This combination of great resources for advice on BMPs and areas: forestry, pesticides and fertilizers,
factors results in soil erosion and the might have ideas on how cost-share dol- farmstead, crops, livestock, and streams
degradation of water resources. When lars could be used to implement these and other waters. Every producer in
overstocked, open feedlot systems de- practices. If producers cannot obtain Kentucky has been required to create
nude vegetation needed to hold the soil in cost-share funding, they should imple- and implement an agricultural water
place, causing nutrients, pathogens, and ment BMPs that will make the greatest quality plan since 2001. These water
sediment generated by the cattle to reach impact based on the amount of money quality plans not only help protect the
surface waters without being filtered, spent. Producers using an open feedlot environment, but they also increase
trapped, or utilized by plants (Figure 12). design could potentially implement a livestock productivity.
Unimproved open feedlot designs variety of BMPs. The BMP checklist on A NMP is a five-year plan that com-
are common in Kentucky and have the the next page is provided as a guide for prehensively addresses how nutrients
potential to degrade the environment producers with open lot systems. are managed on the operation. The
and increase the risk of human health plan should outline the methods used
problems; however, by installing BMPs, Regulatory Requirements to determine the amount of nutrients
producers can reduce this pollution and Cost Share produced, how those nutrients will be
managed or land-applied, the realistic
potential. For example, producers with
Animal feeding operations and yield goal for the crops receiving nutrient
open feedlots should not place feeding
confined animal operations are not applications, the existing soil fertility, and
areas along streams or give cattle full
allowed to have a discharge of pol- the strategies used to limit runoff, leach-
access to these streams simply because
lutants from the operation. Kentucky ing, and volatilization.
it is convenient. Instead, locate feeding
Administrative Regulation 401 KAR Cost share is available from state and
areas in upland areas and provide alter-
5:005 states that an operator of an federal agencies to develop a Comprehen-
native water sources, which will allow
agricultural waste handling system or sive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP),
vegetation along the slopes to filter pol-
animal feeding operation must have a which is an extremely detailed version of
lutants before reaching environmentally
Kentucky No Discharge Operational a Nutrient Management Plan written by
sensitive areas like streams, sinkholes,
Permit (KNDOP). This permit is re- an engineer or a contractor. The CNMP
and drainageways. When implementing
quired for all animal feeding operations can also be used to obtain a KNDOP
BMPs, producers should consider the
that use a liquid waste handling system
10
BMP Checklist and Suggested Install windbreaks and mounds to provide protection
from the elements and reduce mud.
Guidance Documents
Install heavy-use area pads around areas that receive a
Place shade structures in the feedlot to provide livestock lot of traffic, such as waterers, feeders, shade structures,
with relief from the heat and to lure cattle away from mineral blocks, and windbreaks.
streams and ponds. Small animals need approximately • High Traffic Area Pads for Horses (ID-164)
7.5 to 13 square feet per animal, while large animals • Using Dry Lots to Conserve Pastures and Reduce
need approximately 19 to 27 square feet per animal. Pollution Potential (ID-171)
• Shade Options for Grazing Cattle (AEN-99)
Clean manure from congregation and feeding areas.
Install alternative water sources such as developed Apply this manure to a crop field or place it in a covered
springs or gravity-fed watering systems, making sure stack pad for later application.
that cattle do not have to travel more than 600 feet to • Paved Feeding Areas and the Kentucky Agriculture
obtain water. Water Quality Plan (AEN-107)
• Alternative Water Source: Developing Springs for
Manage mortalities by composting or some other legal
Livestock (AEN-98)
means of disposal.
• Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for Cattle (ID-170)
• On-Farm Composting of Animal Mortalities (ID-166)
Exclude livestock from streams, ponds, sinkholes, and • On-Farm Disposal of Animal Mortalities (ID-167)
any other environmentally-sensitive areas.
Control erosion by implementing proper grazing tech-
• Riparian Buffers: A Livestock Best Management
niques and installing structures such as gully erosion
Practice for Protecting Water Quality (ID-175)
structures where appropriate.
• Sinkhole Management for Agricultural Producers
• Building a Grade Stabilization Structure to Control
(AEN-109)
Erosion (AEN-100)
Strategically place mineral and salt blocks away from
Relocate mineral blocks, feed wagons, and ring feeders
riparian areas.
to reduce the generation of mud and the accumulation
Implement proper grazing use and rotational grazing of manure.
practices to protect soil and preserve pasture quality.
Provide facilities or structures to reduce the creation
• Pasture Feeding, Streamside Grazing, and the Ken-
of mud, especially during the winter months.
tucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan (AEN-105)
• Strategic Winter Feeding of Cattle using a Rotational
• Planning Fencing Systems for Intensive Grazing
Grazing Structure (ID-188)
Management (ID-74)
• Woodland Winter Feeding of Cattle: Water Quality
Install stream crossings to prevent erosion and stabil- Best Management Practices (ID-187)
ity problems.
• Stream Crossings for Cattle (AEN-101)
11
References • Federation of Animal Science Societ-
ies. 2010. Guide for the Care and Use
• Irwin A. Dyer, ed. and C.C. O’Mary,
ed. 1972. The Feedlot. Philadelphia:
• Butchbaker, A.F., J.E. Garton, G.W.A of Agricultural Animals in Research Lea & Febiger.
Mahoney, and M.D. Paine. 1971. Evalu- and Teaching. Third Edition. • Midwest Plan Service. 1987. Beef Hous-
ation of Beef Cattle Feedlot Waste • Government of Western Australia. ing and Equipment Book. Fourth Edi-
Management Alternatives. Oklahoma 2002. Guidelines for the Environ- tion. Iowa State University: Ames, IA.
Agricultural Experiment Station. mental Management of Beef Cattle • Shuyler, L.R., D.M. Farmer, R.D. Kreis,
Office of Research and Monitoring: Feedlots in Western Australia. Bul- and M.E. Hula. 1973. Environment
Environmental Protection Agency. letin 4550. Department of Agricul- Protecting Concepts of Beef Cattle
• Engstrom, D. F. 1996. Alberta Feedlot ture, Department of Environmental Feedlot Wastes Management. Project
Management Guide, Alberta Agricul- Protection, and Water and Rivers No. 21 AOY-05. Program Element
ture. Food and Rural Development. Commission. 1B2039. The National Animal Feedlot
Feeder Associations of Alberta. Wastes Research Program.
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Coop-
erative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, M. Scott Smith, Director of Cooperative Extension Programs, Uni-
versity of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright © 2013 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative
Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include
this copyright notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu.
Issued 3-2013