Construction of new beef rearing unit, Newdigate, Surrey

Good quality housing and handling systems in a livestock building are essential for the welfare of both beef cattle and farmers and to make routine tasks easier and more effective.

This beef rearing unit we built for a farm in Newdigate, Surrey incorporates all the latest best practice advice for good cattle flow, comfort and ventilation. We divided the shed into four pens, and installed concrete panels and strong, secure steel gates for stress-free sorting. A chalk floor finish was selected for the beds. Chalk is an ideal base for livestock as it is able to absorb urine, keeping straw or other bedding drier.

Effective feeding and watering were achieved with the installation of 73 metre feeds races along each side of the building and external fitted water troughs.

The three-metre concrete passageways have been constructed to provide a comfortable footing and an exceptionally durable and relatively dry walking surface