There are several factors to consider when choosing a cattle trough. One important factor is the amount of water that is needed for each animal. A trough must be long enough for all cows to drink at once. Ideally, each cow should have 0.6 to 0.7 m of trough space.
In addition, a trough should be large enough to house two or three cows at a time. A good rule of thumb is to provide one trough for every fifty animals.
Plastic vs concrete
When choosing a building material, one should consider the specific gravity of the material. The lower the specific gravity, the lighter the finished component and the lower the overall product weight. Different types of materials have different specific gravities.
You can find the average specific gravity of different materials on the material’s manufacturers’ websites or material data sheets. For example, a plastic thermoformed part can weigh six times less than a steel one, and fiberglass thermoformed part can weigh 30 to 40 percent less.
Concrete troughs leach zinc into the water
A concrete cattle trough can leach zinc and cadmium into the water that your livestock drink. This is especially problematic for cattle because rainwater has a slightly acidic pH.
Another potential problem is copper leaching, which can have even more negative consequences for livestock. To minimize copper leaching, you can use plastic water troughs.
While plastic troughs are more durable than concrete ones, they also are susceptible to cracking under repeated abuse. However, they do have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to install. While concrete troughs may be heavier, they are also prone to cracking and brittleness when exposed to UV rays.
In addition, concrete troughs may contain elevated levels of lime, which creates an environment for toxic algae. Another drawback of concrete troughs is that their reinforcing mesh can affect the taste of the water.
Metal troughs eliminate leaching unhealthy minerals into the water
When purchasing cattle troughs, look for a material that’s environmentally friendly. Concrete and plastic cattle troughs are not recyclable, and they often contain harmful chemicals and lead to leaks. In addition, metal and fiberglass troughs feature inner liners and coatings that prevent the leaching of unhealthy minerals into the water.
Metal troughs are ideal for growing vegetables and herbs and are also excellent containers for planting. Unfortunately, the galvanization process can leach toxic metals such as zinc and cadmium into the water. While zinc is important in small amounts, too much can cause health problems. Before the advent of PVC, galvanized water pipes were widely used.
Plastic troughs eliminate leaching unhealthy minerals into the water
Cattle owners have several options when it comes to water troughs for their livestock. When selecting one, they should keep in mind the size of the herd, climate, budget, and water supply system. A good way to find a trough that meets these needs is to contact a company like GoToTanks.
Cattle water troughs are ideal breeding grounds for algae. The warmth of the water, sunlight, and organic matter from the cattle promote their growth. This algae can release harmful toxins into the water, which are harmful to livestock.
Livestock suffering from blue-green algae toxicosis can exhibit symptoms such as muscle tremors, excessive salivation, watery diarrhea, and even seizures. In severe cases, the livestock may die within hours.
Cattle troughs are an essential piece of farm equipment, providing a clean and easily accessible source of water for livestock. However, cattle troughs can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, which can pose a serious health risk to animals.
A cattle trough is a type of Animal feeder used to provide fresh water and fodder for cattle. Cattle troughs can be made of various materials, such as concrete, plastic, or metal. They are commonly placed in pastures, corrals, or other enclosures where cattle are kept.
Some cattle troughs are designed to be static, while others are designed to be moved around as needed. In addition to providing fresh water and fodder, cattle troughs can also help to keep animals cool in summer weather and prevent them from coming into contact with contaminated water sources.
As such, they play an important role in the health and welfare of farm animals.