B358 Cattle Handling System

Descriptions

Building 358 (B358) at the Grange Animal Science Unit is predominantly used by APHA for vaccine testing, where over 80no. studies are carried out in cattle each year. The existing cattle handling system, including holding area, race, crush, feed face and drainage is from the original building requirements. The system has been adapted many times over the years in order to meet the requirements of the different studies that have taken place within the building. This has left a number of gates and hurdles which confuse the layout and form a barrier to safe passage. This has resulted in a system which is no longer considered 'fit for purpose' by the APHA end users, and which presents a number of health and safety and wellbeing risks to staff involved in the regular movement and sampling of the animals and the welfare of the animals themselves. The purpose of works is to upgrade the facility in order to mitigate these health and safety risks and secure the long-term operation of this facility. The project will provide a new, fixed cattle handling system within B358, including; a new feed face, appropriate drainage, lighting and heating, an appropriate flood surface, as well as an external hardstanding area.