The dairy’s holding area for the cows – for
before and after milking – consists of a concrete
surface 32m wide and 50m long. This hardstand
is divided into enclosures, including a cow
handling facility with various ‘crushes’ where
cows stand in single file to be either artificially
inseminated or treated by the herd veterinarian.
There is an additional crush for calves,
to consolidate the handling of the herd into
one facility. Further provision has been made
for neck-clamps, a spray race and a loading
ramp for transport purposes. Some 4 000m 3 of
bulk excavation, 700m 3 of concrete works, and
nearly 800m 2 of brickwork has gone into the civil
engineering and building works.
Commissioning of the dairy commenced on 20
June 2017, where the new users introduced their
cows to the facility and a 28-day trial period of
milking was undertaken. During this time, staff
were trained in all the facility’s systems and
activities. The project was completed at the end
of July 2017. u
Marinus Meiring – SRK Consulting
Cow handling facility with the ponds in the background (under construction).
Primary sludge pond prior to commissioning showing vehicle access.
contributor
“… our ground-breaking
innovation allows the dairy
to save 30 000 litres of water
a day by re-using effluent to
clean the external concrete
areas around the dairy.”
generator capable of powering the dairy
for almost 24 hours. “This is vital to keep the
facility operational as well as keep milk cool
before collection,” he adds. “Various green
technologies have been included to ensure that
the dairy’s energy needs are met as efficiently as
possible.”
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Employer: The Eastern Cape Department of
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform
Beneficiary: Wittekleibosch Dairy Trust
Principal Agent: SRK Consulting
Civil / Structural Engineers: SRK Consulting
Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic
Engineers: CA du Toit Eastern Cape
Principal Contractor: SP Excel
Mechanical Sub-contractors:
Northfield Engineering
Waikato South Africa
Electrical Sub-contractor:
WattsUp Electrical
Project Team:
Wash water pond with recycling pump station.
Water Sewage & Effluent November/December 2017
13