Limited Access
Overview
Ponds and streams are common sources of livestock water, but allowing unlimited access can cause severe bank erosion, poor water quality, and other related problems. Livestock prefer clean water and avoid steep or muddy approaches to water whenever possible. Water access sites built with hardened surfaces and fencing can minimize many of the direct access concerns.
Advantages
- Improved livestock safety and health with less foot rot and fewer leg injuries.
- Reduced bank erosion.
- Reduced sediment and nutrients entering the water.
- Extended pond life.
- Applicable to both new and existing ponds.
- May increase livestock water intake and improve livestock weight gains.
Limitations
- Fence maintenance is required after flood events or when the water level is lower than the fence.
- No suitable installation sites may be available for some ponds or streams, especially large streams with variable flows.
Design Considerations
Hardened access ramps or walkways should have a maximum slope of 6:1 (17%) run to rise. While ramps as steep as 4:1 have been installed, flatter slopes of 8:1 to 20:1 are preferable where space allows, as livestock prefer milder slopes and access is less treacherous in icy conditions. Sides of the ramp should be 3:1 if the site conditions are favorable.
Width of the hardened access may vary, with widths of 10 to 80 feet. The recommended width of the water access can be calculated using a starting width of 10 feet and adding an additional foot of width for each 10 cattle. For example, for a herd of 50 cattle, the recommended width would be 10 + (50 รท 10) = 10 + 5 = 15 feet wide.
The ramp surface is comprised of compacted, non-slip gravel, concrete, or crushed rock. Semitrailer or car tires can be embedded in the ramp to help hold the gravel in place. If several sizes are used, place larger tires near the bottom of the ramp. A gravel size of 2 inches will allow livestock to easily walk on the ramp but discourages loafing.
Fencing that excludes livestock from other parts of the pond or stream can be desirable to discourage congregating and loafing in the water on hot days. A floating fence that adjusts to fluctuating water levels can be made with PVC pipe.
This practice may require permits.
