If you raise farm animals, you know that high-quality livestock feed is essential to their health and well-being. However, the water trough is often overlooked, and even experienced ranchers are sometimes unsure which products are best for their animals. Below are a few considerations when buying a new water trough for your farm.

How to Choose a Water Trough for Your Livestock

1. Consider the Material

Plastic troughs are easy to clean, but harsh sunlight will quickly break down the material. Most professional ranchers prefer concrete troughs, which are durable enough to last for decades. However, the porous surface can create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, so concrete water troughs need to be cleaned regularly.

Metal troughs are another popular option, thanks to their combination of durability and light weight. Cattle can push hard enough to bend the brackets and break pipes, which can lead to serious leaks and expensive plumbing repairs.

2. Choose the Right Size

Beef cattle need anywhere from six to 15 gallons of water per day, so if you have more than a couple of cows you’ll likely need the largest troughs you can find. Horses need water when they’re in the stable and out in the field, so you should also invest in some sturdy portable buckets along with your troughs.

If you have chickens, you’ll likely need smaller troughs with several access points. However, newly hatched birds should have their own shallow troughs. Otherwise, they may fall in.

3. Keep Safety in Mind

Plastic troughs can break under the pressure of several cows drinking at once, leaving sharp edges that can cause injuries to you and your livestock. While metal may not break, many troughs have plastic linings that can come apart and create a choking hazard.

The safest material for your ranch depends on the number of animals you have and where your livestock is kept. The best livestock feed dealers have the expertise to help you choose equipment that will stand the test of time and keep your animals safe.

Since 1968, Clifton Feed and Service Center Inc. has been Bosque County’s premier livestock feed and equipment supplier. They also have an extensive inventory of farm equipment, including a selection of high-quality water troughs. Visit their website for more on their wide range of farm equipment, or call (254) 675-3416 to speak with a livestock feed expert today.