Davis, Lachlan J. (2024) A Capable and Effective Watering System for an Intensive Beef Cattle Covered Housing Arrangement. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
The Australian beef cattle feedlot industry is continuing to expand. New systems, technology and software are being adopted by the industry, in particular covered housing systems. By advancing and innovating current systems that are crucial to intensive feeding operations, operational efficiency which improves production to accommodate the increasing demand, will be realised. This project focuses on a small but integral section of intensive feeding, being the development of a novel water trough for a covered housing system. By developing a working concept of a water trough that delivers benefits through increased production efficiency and performance, system optimisation and advancement, and sustainable and ethical animal welfare practises, this project will succeed. Conventional water troughs that are used in uncovered outdoor feedlots (concrete and plastic troughs) do not meet all of the beneficial intentions underlined above and are not easily adapted to a covered housing system. Recognising that new systems are being adopted, adaptations are needed to more closely suit these arrangements, hence bolstering the timing and importance of this project. By utilising engineering methods a viable solution can be presented, but first a methodical approach must be adopted in order to work through the objectives and answer the research questions effectively. The approach that was undertaken was a waterfall method commonly used for design and conceptual engineering projects; it encapsulates a step-by-step procedure that essentially entails a flow on effect for each step of the process in an orderly manner.
The end goal for this project was to have a working prototype of a water trough installed in a covered housing system. This was achieved in the form of a gate mounted tipping water trough that incorporates effective use of space, has quick and easy cleaning ability and met all the design considerations and requirements set. The prototype water trough proved that this arrangement is practical and commercially viable in a large-scale intensive feeding operation. The system offers a more adaptable and sustainable system than using conventional water troughs. Reduction in water usage was one of the benefits of this system with a significant reduction in cleaning water wastage after 3 months as compared to a conventional water trough, Overall, after observing its implementation into the covered housing arrangement, it showed positive outcomes and results. These include, but are not specifically limited to, ease of maintenance, ease of cleaning, less spoiling of water by cattle and reduced wastage of water. The system has a large opportunity for adoption in covered housing systems and in conventional beef cattle feedlots, in particular within areas such as cattle handling facilities.
Overall, this system will prove extremely beneficial to the Australian beef cattle feedlot industry and can help push change for a more sustainable charge towards a more efficient and 21st century conscious future through the adoption of covered housing systems.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Goh, Steven |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Oct 2025 03:47 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Oct 2025 03:47 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | beef; feedlot; covered housing system |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53032 |
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