Walk into any farming supply store, and you’ll find a range of trough options. The variety exists because different animals and environments call for different solutions. If you pick the wrong type, you’ll not only create inconvenience for yourself but also affect how much your animals drink and how long the trough actually lasts.
Today, we’re giving a breakdown of the main types of livestock troughs and where each makes the most sense.
Concrete Troughs
Concrete is widely used on farms, and it’s still a solid choice (but only in the right context). It offers amazing levels of durability and stability. It easily handles heavy animals resting against it and holds up well in harsh weather.
The only downside is its weight, which makes moving it once it’s placed almost impossible. Also, concrete can crack over time if you live in a climate with freeze-thaw cycles.
These livestock troughs work best in permanent locations where you know the location won’t need to change.
Steel Troughs
Steel troughs are also durable but more flexible than concrete, so you can move them occasionally. They can handle the rough treatment as well and are available in a wide range of sizes.
Galvanized steel holds up well against rust, but it does require attention over time, especially at edges where the coating can wear. They’re a good choice for operations where you need durability, but you also don’t want to commit to a permanent installation.
Poly Troughs
Polyethylene livestock troughs are a popular choice among farmers, and for a good reason. They’re lightweight, which means you can easily move them around the property. They don’t rust or corrode and also don’t leach anything into the water.
Poly troughs also hold up well in cold weather (without the cracking risk that comes with concrete). If you continuously rotate pastures or need flexibility in where water is available, poly is often the most practical choice.
The only trade-off is that they’re less resistant to physical damage from large animals than steel or concrete.
Automatic Watering Troughs
As the name suggests, these troughs are connected to a water supply and don’t need manual refilling. They make a lot of sense in larger operations where filling troughs multiple times a day takes a lot of time. They also keep water fresher and ensure animals have access to clean water at all times.
However, their costs are much higher compared to the other 3 options we discussed above. You’re also adding a mechanical component that needs regular maintenance. But still, most farmers who switch to automatic systems find the time savings well worth it.
Matching the Trough to Your Operation
So what is the optimum choice? Well, it comes down to your animals and how much flexibility you need. Concrete or steel works well with smaller operations with fixed locations. But if your farm rotates grazing, the poly troughs are a good choice. And large operations with big infrastructure usually prefer automatic systems.
Just pay attention to how your farm operates day to day, and you’ll make an informed decision that fully supports your needs.