LPT 312: Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology (1+1)

SELECTION OF SITE

The site to be selected should

• Be located outside the city or town, in a place, which will not soon become an abode of habitation. The rural site generally outweigh those of the other sites, hence it is recommended that a rural location be chosen where possible,
• Be of such size as to allow for future expansion,
• Be on an elevated plane to facilitate better natural drainage and prevent water stagnation. A stock-proof fence to keep slaughter stock in and other animals out should surround the abattoir,
• Be in a direction in which wind passes out from dwellings; neither to the leeward nor windward of the town. If the prevailing winds are north/south, the abattoir should be built to the east or west of the town. The land could be landscaped and planted with trees, to provide windbreaks, shade and shelter, if not to make the building more attractive,
• Be accessible from all parts of the city or town,
• Be provided with rail tracks for receipt of animals by railways,
• Be within reach of the highway,
• Have permeable soil and suitable for good foundations including piling. Arable farmland should not be chosen, as it may be a waste of productive land for the cultivation of crops may be subject to drift of crop spraying chemicals.
• Have ample water supply for washing, etc., at an estimated requirement of 150 gallons per animal slaughtered or 10,000 litres/tonne of dressed carcass weight,
• Enjoy unhindered ventilation and light,
• Ability to separate ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ areas and access,
• Proximity to supply of varied labour,
• Good availability of stock nearby, and
• Mains electricity and sewerage.
• The actual site need not be a flat one.
• Indeed, slopes can provide suitable loading bays for stock and product and are of value when two or more floors are contemplated.
• In general, therefore, urban sites should be avoided; rural and nominated sites are preferred.