Three Important Considerations for Selecting an Ideal Water Trough
Raising livestock can be a challenging undertaking. If the right choices are not made, an agricultural operation could experience significant financial losses. Choosing a water trough is one of the important decisions that you must make for your farm. If you choose an unsuitable water trough, your animals could experience injuries or diseases. Also, the efficiency of watering the livestock could be compromised. Here are critical factors to help you select the best trough for your needs.
Container Material
You should compare the different materials used to manufacture water troughs before choosing the correct one to match your requirements. In general, there are three primary materials which can be utilised for trough fabrication: plastic, steel and concrete. Plastic troughs are popular because they are durable and affordable. They are economical and easy to handle for both small and large operations. Steel is a strong material, but it is prone to rusting. If you are interested in this option, you should select a container with a food-grade coating. Concrete troughs are durable, stable and safe. However, you must remember that handling will be challenging.
Livestock Safety
You should select a water trough designed to ensure the safety of the livestock. In some farms, the owners attempt to reduce expenses by using alternative containers for livestock watering. For example, an old bathtub can be used for this purpose, or one can purchase a large basin. You should avoid containers which are not specifically intended for watering animals. These receptacles might have sharp edges, or they might not be safe for animal use. You should also take the local weather into account when evaluating safety. For instance, some plastic troughs might crack in freezing weather, and the sharp edges might cause injuries.
Trough Size
Choosing the best trough size for your farm can be complicated. If you opt for a small container, you will need to plan for constant refills. On the other hand, a large trough will require more space on your farm. Also, it will cost more, and handling will be challenging. Therefore, you must find a suitable mid-ground to avoid suffering losses. In general, you should think about the number of animals on your farm. The trough should be large enough to meet their water requirements for a specific period. However, it should not allow water to remain for too long because rotting and microbial growth will occur.
Finally, you should make sure that the chosen water trough will be easy to fill with water and keep clean.
