# Feedlot Pen Cleaning and Waste Removal Systems ## Key Takeaways - **Optimal cleaning frequency is dictated by manure depth (4-6 inches at bunk line) and density, typically requiring scraping every 30-60 days in active pens, with increased frequency during wet conditions or high stocking rates to mitigate pathogen proliferation and ammonia irritation.** This proactive approach prevents the development of conditions conducive to foot rot and hairy heel wart, which thrive in deep, wet manure. - **Dry scraping, utilizing equipment like box scrapers or skid steers, is the standard method, aiming for manure moisture content of 50-70% to facilitate efficient removal without smearing or excessive dust generation.** This method is crucial for maintaining pen surface integrity and minimizing respiratory stress on cattle and personnel. - **Effective manure management includes strategic stockpiling on compacted clay or concrete pads with integrated runoff containment, or covering stockpiles to prevent nutrient leaching and minimize environmental contamination.** Annual manure nutrient testing is essential for accurate fertilizer value assessment and balanced application rates, preventing nutrient runoff into surface or groundwater. - **Pen surface design, including a 2-4% slope away from the bunk and waterers, and the strategic use of mounds in wet climates, are critical for facilitating drainage and providing dry resting areas.** These features reduce mud accumulation, thereby decreasing the incidence of lameness and improving cattle comfort and performance. - **Recordkeeping is paramount for operational management and regulatory compliance, encompassing cleaning dates, manure volumes, application fields, and any observed health issues or environmental incidents.** This data supports informed decision-making, facilitates veterinary consultation for disease outbreaks linked to pen conditions, and aids extension agents in waste system design and regulatory adherence. --- Keeping feedlot pens clean is not just about appearances. It directly affects cattle health, weight gain, foot health, and your operation's relationship with neighbors and regulators. Manure that accumulates too deep becomes a breeding ground for pathogens and a source of ammonia that irritates cattle respiratory tracts. Wet, packed manure also increases the risk of hoof abscesses and lameness, which costs you money in treatment and lost performance. This guide covers the full scope of feedlot pen cleaning and waste removal systems. It is written for feedlot owners, managers, and crew leads who want practical, field-tested methods for scraping, hauling, stockpiling, and applying manure. You will learn how often to clean pens, which equipment works best for different pen surfaces, how to manage runoff and nutrient value, and how to keep records that protect your operation. The information applies to small backgrounding yards, mid-sized custom feedlots, and large commercial operations. ## At a Glance - **Clean pens when manure depth reaches 4 to 6 inches** in the feeding apron and along the bunk line. Do not wait for deep packing. - **Scrape at least every 30 to 60 days** in active pens, more often in wet weather or with high stocking density. - **Dry scraping is the standard method** for most feedlots. Use a box scraper, blade, or skid steer with a scrape bucket. - **Remove wet manure and mud immediately** when it accumulates around waterers and bunk aprons to prevent lameness. - **Stockpile manure on a compacted clay or concrete pad** with a runoff containment system, or cover it to prevent leaching. - **Test manure nutrient content at least once per year** so you know the fertilizer value and can balance application rates. - **Keep written records** of cleaning dates, manure volumes, application fields, and any runoff or complaint events. - **Call your veterinarian** if you see a sudden rise in foot rot, lameness, or respiratory disease that appears linked to pen conditions. - **Call your extension agent** before building a new waste system or changing your manure application plan to confirm local rules. ## Why Pen Cleaning Matters Feedlot cattle stand, lie, and eat in the same small area for weeks or months. Every animal produces roughly 50 to 60 pounds of manure per day per 1,000 pounds of body weight. In a pen with 100 head of 800-pound steers, that is about 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of manure daily. Over a 120-day feeding period, one pen accumulates more than 500,000 pounds of manure and bedding. If you do not remove that material, it becomes the single biggest environmental and health challenge on your lot. ### The Health Connection Dirty pens cause several direct health problems. Foot rot and hairy heel wart thrive in wet, manure-packed conditions. The bacteria that cause these infections live in feces and soil, and they enter through small cracks or abrasions on the hoof. When cattle stand in deep, wet manure for hours, their hooves soften and become more vulnerable. Lameness reduces feed intake and daily gain, and it forces you into treatment costs. Ammonia gas from decomposing manure irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. In confined feedlots, high ammonia levels can worsen bovine respiratory disease, which is already the leading cause of death in feedlot cattle. Cattle that breathe ammonia-laden air for weeks may show reduced feed intake and slower gains even without obvious disease. Mastitis is less common in feedlots than in dairies, but udder infections can occur in bred heifers and cows kept in pens. Dirty, wet bedding increases the bacterial load that contacts the udder. ### The Performance Connection Cattle need a clean, dry place to lie down. Research from the Beef Cattle Research Council shows that cattle spend 8 to 12 hours per day lying down when conditions are comfortable. If the pen is wet, muddy, or covered in manure, cattle stand more and lie less. Standing burns energy and increases maintenance requirements. That means less energy goes into weight gain. In extreme conditions, cattle may lose weight or go off feed entirely. Deep manure also makes it harder for cattle to move to the bunk and waterer. Slick, manure-covered concrete aprons cause slips and falls, which can lead to injuries and bruising. Bruised carcasses are discounted at packing plants. ### The Environmental Connection Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. When rain falls on a dirty pen, those nutrients wash into runoff. If that runoff reaches a stream, pond, or groundwater, it can cause algae blooms, fish kills, and drinking water contamination. Many states and provinces now regulate feedlot runoff under clean water laws. You may need a permit if your operation concentrates animals and discharges manure into state waters. Odor is another issue. Anaerobic decomposition of manure produces hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. These gases smell terrible and can drift for miles. Neighbors who smell your feedlot may file complaints with local authorities. Regular pen cleaning removes the source of odor before it becomes a community problem. ## Understanding Manure Accumulation Rates You cannot plan a cleaning schedule without knowing how fast manure builds up in your pens. Several factors control the rate. ### Animal Size and Number Larger cattle produce more manure. A 1,400-pound finishing steer produces about 85 to 90 pounds of manure per day. A 400-pound calf produces about 25 to 30 pounds. Multiply the per-head daily production by the number of head and the days between cleanings to estimate accumulation. ### Diet and Feed Type High-forage diets produce more manure volume than high-concentrate diets because forage is less digestible. Wet distillers grains and other high-moisture byproducts increase manure moisture content, which makes the pile heavier and harder to handle. Cattle on high-grain finishing rations produce manure that is drier and more stable. ### Bedding Use If you bed pens with straw, cornstalks, or wood shavings, the total volume of material to remove goes up significantly. Bedding also absorbs moisture and can make the manure pack harder if it is not removed regularly. In cold climates, heavy bedding use in winter means spring cleaning is a major event. ### Climate and Season Rain and snow add moisture to pens. Wet manure is heavier and more difficult to scrape. It also packs into a dense layer that insulates the soil and prevents drying. In hot, dry climates, manure dries quickly and can be removed as a solid. In humid or wet regions, manure stays wet and may need to be handled as a semi-solid. ### Pen Surface Dirt pens allow some manure to mix with soil, especially when you scrape aggressively. That mixing increases total volume but also adds soil that can reduce the fertilizer value of the manure. Concrete pens keep manure separate from soil, which makes it easier to handle and more consistent in nutrient content. ## Feedlot Pen Cleaning Methods There are three main approaches to removing manure from feedlot pens: dry scraping, wet removal, and flush systems. Your choice depends on your climate, pen surface, equipment, and waste management plan. ### Dry Scraping Dry scraping is the most common method in the United States and Canada. You use a tractor with a blade, box scraper, or bucket to push accumulated manure into piles or windrows. From there, you load it into a spreader or truck for removal. The key to dry scraping is timing. You want the manure dry enough to handle but not so dry that it becomes dusty and blows away. Manure with 50 to 70 percent moisture content scrapes well. If it is wetter, it smears and leaves a slick film on the pen surface. If it is drier, it creates dust that can cause respiratory problems for cattle and workers. Scrape in a pattern that pushes manure away from the bunk and waterer first. Clean the feeding apron every time you scrape. Then work the rest of the pen, pushing manure toward a central collection point or the back gate. Do not push manure into the corners and leave it there. That creates a concentrated pile that is hard to remove later and may attract flies. For most pens, you should scrape the entire pen surface at least once every 30 to 60 days. In summer, when cattle are on full feed and manure production is high, you may need to scrape every 2 to 3 weeks. In winter, when manure freezes and cattle are bedded, you may scrape less often but will deal with larger volumes in spring. ### Wet Removal In wet climates or during wet seasons, dry scraping is not always possible. Manure that is saturated with water cannot be pushed into piles. Instead, you may need to use a front-end loader with a bucket to scoop the wet material and haul it directly to a storage or composting area. Wet removal is slower and harder on equipment than dry scraping. The manure is heavy, and it tends to stick to buckets and tires. You also risk removing topsoil from dirt pens if you dig too deep. Use a smooth, shallow bucket angle and take thin passes to avoid gouging the pen surface. In extreme cases, you may need to let pens dry out before cleaning. If you have multiple pens, rotate cattle out of one pen and give it 1 to 2 weeks of dry weather before scraping. This is easier if you have spare pen capacity. ### Flush Systems Flush systems use water to move manure out of pens through a sloped concrete alley or gutter. They are common in dairies and some large feedlots in the western United States where water is available. A flush system requires a concrete or paved pen surface, a water source, and a collection lagoon or basin. Flush systems are efficient in terms of labor. You push a button and water carries the manure away. But they require a lot of water, and the resulting liquid manure is more expensive to store and apply than solid manure. You also need a well-designed lagoon system to handle the volume. Flush systems are rarely practical for small or mid-sized feedlots. ## Equipment for Pen Cleaning The right equipment makes pen cleaning faster, safer, and less damaging to your pens. You do not need the most expensive machinery, but you need tools that match your pen size and surface. ### Box Scrapers A box scraper is the best tool for leveling and cleaning dirt pens. It has a front blade, a rear blade, and side walls that capture material. As you pull it, it cuts into the surface, collects manure and soil, and drops it evenly behind. Box scrapers are excellent for removing the top layer of packed manure without gouging deep ruts. Use a box scraper that is about 6 to 8 feet wide for a mid-sized tractor. Set the cutting edge so it barely touches the surface on the first pass. Make multiple passes, lowering the blade slightly each time, until you reach clean soil or the desired depth. ### Rear Blades A rear blade is simpler than a box scraper and is good for pushing manure into windrows. It works best on concrete or hard-packed dirt surfaces. The angle of the blade determines how far the manure is pushed to the side. Set the blade at a 30 to 45 degree angle and drive forward slowly. Rear blades are not ideal for cutting into hard-packed manure. They tend to ride over the surface. Use them after a box scraper or on pens that are cleaned frequently. ### Front-End Loaders A front-end loader with a general-purpose bucket is the workhorse for loading manure into trucks or spreaders. You can also use it to scrape pens if you do not have a dedicated scraper. The key is to use a smooth, level bucket angle and avoid digging into the pen surface. For pen scraping, a bucket with a cutting edge works better than a smooth-edge bucket. The cutting edge helps break up packed manure. Some operators use a "scrape bucket" that is wider and shallower than a standard bucket. These are designed specifically for pushing material over a distance. ### Skid Steers Skid steers are maneuverable and work well in tight pens. They are ideal for cleaning around bunks, waterers, and gates where larger tractors cannot fit. A skid steer with a scrape bucket or a 6-way dozer blade can handle most pen cleaning tasks in small and mid-sized feedlots. Skid steers are less efficient than tractors for moving large volumes of manure over long distances. Use them for detail work and use a tractor for main pen cleaning. ### Manure Spreaders Once you have scraped manure into piles, you need to get it out of the pen. A manure spreader with a beaters or flail mechanism can spread manure directly on fields. A dump truck or a tractor-pulled wagon can haul manure to a stockpile for later application. If you spread manure directly, make sure the field is accessible and the soil conditions are right. Spreading on wet, saturated soil causes compaction and nutrient runoff. If you stockpile, you need a designated area with runoff control. ## Step-by-Step Pen Cleaning Procedure Follow this procedure for each pen to ensure thorough cleaning and minimal disruption to cattle. ### Step 1: Prepare the Pen Move cattle to a clean, dry pen or to a handling facility before you start scraping. Never scrape a pen with cattle inside. The noise, dust, and equipment movement will stress the animals and increase the risk of injury. If you cannot move cattle, scrape only the areas they are not occupying. This is not ideal, but it is better than nothing. In practice, most feedlots have enough pen capacity to rotate cattle during cleaning. ### Step 2: Remove Large Debris Walk the pen and pick up rocks, boards, wire, and other debris that could damage your equipment or injure cattle. Pay special attention to the area near the bunk and waterer, where cattle spend the most time. ### Step 3: Scrape the Bunk Apron Start at the feed bunk and scrape the concrete or compacted apron. Push manure away from the bunk and toward the center of the pen. Clean the apron thoroughly because this is where cattle stand while eating. A clean apron reduces the risk of slips and keeps feed from being contaminated. ### Step 4: Scrape the Rest of the Pen Work from the bunk apron toward the back of the pen. Use overlapping passes so you do not miss strips. Push manure into windrows or piles at the back of the pen or near the gate. If you are using a box scraper, make multiple passes at decreasing blade depth. The goal is to remove the manure layer without removing significant soil. On dirt pens, you should see a firm, relatively clean surface after scraping. If you see deep ruts or muddy holes, fill them with clean soil or compacted gravel. ### Step 5: Clean Waterers and Feed Bunks After scraping, clean out any manure that has accumulated inside or around the waterer. Manure in the waterer contaminates the water supply and can spread disease. Scrub the waterer with a brush and rinse it thoroughly. Clean the feed bunk with a shovel or skid steer. Remove old feed, manure, and moldy material. A clean bunk encourages cattle to eat and reduces the risk of digestive upsets. ### Step 6: Load and Remove Manure Load the windrows or piles into a spreader or truck. If you are spreading immediately, take the manure to the field and apply it at the correct rate. If you are stockpiling, haul the manure to your designated storage area. Do not leave manure piles in the pen overnight. They attract flies, create odor, and may be scattered by wind or rain. Remove them the same day you scrape. ### Step 7: Inspect the Pen Surface After cleaning, walk the pen and check for low spots, holes, or erosion. Repair any damage before returning cattle to the pen. Fill holes with compacted soil or gravel. Level any ridges that could cause water to pool. ### Step 8: Return Cattle Once the pen is clean, dry, and repaired, return the cattle. Provide fresh bedding if you use bedding in your operation. Make sure the waterer is full and the bunk is stocked with fresh feed. ## Managing Pen Surface and Drainage A well-designed pen surface makes cleaning easier and keeps cattle healthier. If your pens have drainage problems, no amount of scraping will solve the mud issue. ### Pen Slope Feedlot pens should have a slope of 2 to 4 percent from the feed bunk to the back of the pen. This allows water to drain away from the bunk and prevents ponding. The slope should be uniform across the pen, with no low spots where water collects. If your pens are flat or have low spots, consider regrading them. This is a significant investment, but it pays off in reduced mud, cleaner pens, and better cattle performance. ### Pen Surface Material Dirt pens are the most common, but they can become muddy and hard to clean. A well-compacted clay or clay-loam surface holds up well if it is maintained. Sandy soils drain well but may not support heavy equipment. Gravel or limestone surfaces provide good drainage and a firm footing, but they are more expensive to install. Concrete or paved pens are the easiest to clean. They do not absorb moisture, and manure does not mix with soil. However, concrete is expensive and can be slippery when wet. Many feedlots use concrete only for the bunk apron and the area around waterers. ### Mounds In wet climates, many feedlots build mounds in the center of pens. Mounds give cattle a dry place to lie down even when the rest of the pen is muddy. They also provide a high spot for scraping and make pen cleaning easier. A mound should be 8 to 12 feet high and cover 10 to 20 percent of the pen area. Build it from compacted soil or a mix of soil and gravel. The slopes should be gentle enough for cattle to climb easily. Mounds need periodic maintenance to repair erosion and maintain their shape. ### Drainage and Runoff Control You need a plan for handling runoff from your pens. In most states, feedlots that are concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) must have a runoff containment system. This typically includes a settling basin or a retention pond that captures runoff from the pens and prevents it from leaving the property. The size of your runoff system depends on your location, the size of your pens, and local rainfall. Your extension agent or state environmental agency can help you design a system that meets regulations. Do not ignore runoff requirements. Fines for water pollution can be substantial, and you may be liable for damages if runoff contaminates a neighbor's well or a stream. ## Manure Storage and Stockpiling If you cannot spread manure immediately, you need a place to store it. Improper storage leads to nutrient loss, odor, and water pollution. ### Stockpile Design A good stockpile site is on high ground, away from wells, streams, and property lines. The base should be compacted clay or concrete to prevent leaching into groundwater. The site should be sloped so that runoff from the pile flows into a containment area. Cover the stockpile with a tarp or a roof to keep rain out. Wet manure loses nitrogen through volatilization and creates more runoff. A covered pile also reduces odor and fly problems. ### Composting Composting is an excellent way to manage feedlot manure. It reduces volume by 30 to 50 percent, kills weed seeds and pathogens, and produces a stable, odor-free product that is easier to handle and apply. To compost manure, pile it in windrows that are 4 to 6 feet high and 10 to 14 feet wide. Turn the windrows every 1 to 2 weeks with a compost turner or a bucket loader. The pile should heat up to 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. This heat kills pathogens and weed seeds. Composting takes 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the season and how often you turn the pile. The finished compost is a dark, crumbly material with a mild earthy smell. It is a valuable soil amendment that improves soil structure and water-holding capacity. ### Nutrient Management Manure is a fertilizer resource, not just a waste product. A ton of feedlot manure typically contains 10 to 30 pounds of nitrogen, 5 to 15 pounds of phosphorus, and 10 to 30 pounds of potassium. The exact amounts vary with diet, bedding, and storage method. Test your manure at least once per year to know its nutrient content. Your extension office or a commercial lab can analyze a sample. Use the test results to calculate application rates that match crop needs. Applying too much nitrogen can cause nitrate leaching into groundwater. Too much phosphorus can build up in soil and eventually run off into surface water. ## Common Mistakes in Pen Cleaning Even experienced operators make mistakes. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them. ### Waiting Too Long Between Cleanings The biggest mistake is letting manure accumulate to 12 inches or more before cleaning. Deep manure packs hard, becomes difficult to scrape, and creates serious health issues for cattle. Clean pens on a schedule, not when they look bad. ### Scraping Too Deep On dirt pens, aggressive scraping removes topsoil along with manure. This creates low spots that collect water and mud. It also reduces the nutrient value of the manure by mixing it with soil. Set your blade to remove only the manure layer. ### Leaving Piles in the Pen Piles of manure left in the pen attract flies, create odor, and become a source of recontamination. Always remove scraped manure the same day. ### Cleaning Around Cattle Scraping with cattle in the pen is dangerous and stressful. Cattle may slip on wet surfaces, panic, or injure themselves on equipment. Move cattle out of the pen before cleaning. ### Ignoring Drainage Cleaning a pen that has poor drainage is a losing battle. Rain and snowmelt will re-saturate the manure within days. Fix the drainage first, then establish a cleaning schedule. ### Not Wearing Proper PPE Pen cleaning creates dust, which can contain harmful bacteria and fungi. Wear a dust mask or respirator when scraping dry pens. Use eye protection and wash your hands thoroughly after handling manure. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping Good records help you manage your waste system, comply with regulations, and respond to complaints or inspections. ### What to Record Keep a log for each pen that includes: - Cleaning date and method used - Estimated volume of manure removed (in tons or cubic yards) - Where the manure was spread or stockpiled - Weather conditions at the time of cleaning - Any repairs made to the pen surface or drainage - Any cattle health issues observed during or after cleaning ### Manure Application Records If you spread manure on cropland, keep records of: - Field identification and acreage - Date of application - Manure application rate (tons per acre) - Manure nutrient analysis results - Crop to be grown - Weather conditions at application time These records are required by many states for CAFO operations. They also help you track soil fertility over time. ### Health Monitoring Watch for signs that pen conditions are affecting cattle health. If you see an increase in lameness, foot rot, or respiratory disease, note it in your records. Look for patterns. Are the problems concentrated in certain pens? Are they worse after wet weather? Share these observations with your veterinarian. ## When to Call a Veterinarian You should call your veterinarian if you see signs that pen conditions are causing disease outbreaks. Specific triggers include: - A sudden increase in lameness or foot rot cases - Multiple cattle with swollen joints or reluctance to stand - An increase in respiratory disease that does not respond to treatment - Cattle going off feed for no apparent reason - Any animal that cannot get up or is severely weakened Your veterinarian can help you identify the cause of the problem, recommend treatment, and suggest changes to your pen management to prevent recurrence. Do not wait until the problem is severe. Early intervention reduces treatment costs and animal suffering. ## When to Call an Extension Agent Your local extension agent is a valuable resource for pen cleaning and waste management. Call them when: - You are designing a new feedlot or expanding an existing one - You need help with manure nutrient testing and application rates - You are considering a new waste storage or composting system - You have questions about local environmental regulations - You want to learn about cost-share programs for conservation practices Extension agents have access to research-based information and can connect you with specialists in waste management, soil science, and animal health. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How often should I clean my feedlot pens? Clean pens when manure depth reaches 4 to 6 inches, which is usually every 30 to 60 days in active pens. Scrape the bunk apron and waterer area more frequently, at least every 2 weeks. In wet weather or with high stocking density, you may need to clean every 2 to 3 weeks. The goal is to prevent deep packing, not to remove huge accumulations. ### Can I scrape pens while cattle are inside? It is not recommended. Scraping with cattle in the pen creates stress, increases the risk of injury, and can cause cattle to slip on wet surfaces. Move cattle to a clean pen before scraping. If you have no spare pen capacity, scrape only the areas cattle are not occupying, and do it when cattle are at the bunk eating. ### What equipment do I need for pen scraping? At minimum, you need a tractor with a box scraper or rear blade, plus a front-end loader for loading manure. A skid steer with a scrape bucket is useful for tight areas. For larger operations, a dedicated pen scraper or a wheel loader with a large bucket speeds up the job. You also need a manure spreader or a truck and trailer to remove the material from the pen. ### How do I dispose of feedlot manure? The best option is to spread it on cropland as fertilizer. Test the manure for nutrient content first, then apply it at rates that match crop needs. If you cannot spread immediately, stockpile it on a compacted pad with runoff control. Composting is another option that reduces volume and creates a stable soil amendment. Never dump manure in a ditch, ravine, or low area where it can wash into waterways. ### What is the best way to handle wet manure? Wet manure is difficult to scrape and haul. If possible, wait for dry weather and let the pen surface dry before cleaning. Use a front-end loader with a bucket to scoop wet material rather than a blade, which will smear it. In extreme cases, you may need to remove cattle from the pen and let it dry for 1 to 2 weeks before cleaning. Consider improving pen drainage and adding mounds to reduce mud problems in the future. ### How do I control odor from my feedlot? Regular pen cleaning is the most effective odor control method. Remove manure before it has time to decompose anaerobically. Keep stockpiles covered and compost manure to reduce odor. Maintain good drainage to prevent standing water, which promotes anaerobic decomposition. If odor is a persistent problem, talk to your extension agent about additional control measures. ### Do I need a permit for my feedlot waste system? It depends on your location and the size of your operation. In the United States, operations that meet the EPA definition of a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Many states also have their own permit requirements. Contact your state environmental agency or your extension agent to determine what applies to your operation. ### How can I reduce the amount of manure I have to handle? You cannot reduce manure production, but you can reduce volume by keeping bedding dry and minimizing water waste. Fix leaking waterers promptly. Use a pen surface that drains well. Composting reduces volume by 30 to 50 percent compared to raw manure. Some operators also use manure solids for bedding in compost bedded pack systems, which reduces both manure volume and bedding costs. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to other farming guides on this site. Check back for related content on [feedlot design](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/beef-cattle-feedlot-design-pen-layout-manure), cattle health management, manure composting, and nutrient management planning. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Cattle Head Gate Selection and Adjustment](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/cattle-head-gate-selection-and-adjustment) * [Beef Cattle Handling Facility Flow](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-handling-facility-flow) * [Beef Cattle Maternity Pen Design: Comfort and Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/beef-cattle-maternity-pen-design-comfort-monitoring) ## References - Beef Cattle Research Council: https://www.beefresearch.ca/ - USDA APHIS Cattle Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle - WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code: https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/ - FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/ > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.