Raising cattle requires a whole array of equipment, from cattle crates, to water troughs. Here is a list of basic equipment, with a brief explanation of what each item is and why it's so important.
Cattle crates, or cattle crushes as they are sometimes referred to, are cages which are used to hold cattle still for the purposes of examination, marking or treatment. They are generally constructed nowadays of steel, and are available in an assortment of sizes and and with a whole range of attachments. The main purpose of the cattle crate is to ensure the safety of both the animal and the person giving treatment, with the minimum of stress.
The cattle crush is usually fixed to a cattle race, which is a corridor with high sides, which is the width of one animal. The purpose of a cattle race in to guide your stock from one area to another. The sides are high enough to stop the cattle from jumping over the edge and to prevent them from being distracted from events outside the run.
Water troughs, usually made of galvanised steel, are the most common cattle drinking products. They are available in a range of sizes depending on the size of your herd.
There are a variety of feeding products, although the most popular tends to be the feeding rings, which enable a number of cattle to feed at the same time. Troughs are another option, as are barley beef feeders, cattle feed trailers, calf creep feeders, feed bins, and high density feeders.
These fenced systems are often used in conjunction with cattle crates and races and are used to keep cattle in a holding area. They can be either temporary or permanent systems, and are made up of hurdles and gates made of metal (often galvanised).
Weighing livestock is an important part of any farmers job. There are a number of weighing devices available. These include weighing platforms, which are available in a variety of sizes and styles and are suitable for use with cattle crates.
There is also equipment available which caters for specific types of cattle. For example, Highland Cattle equipment differs slightly from standard cattle equipment to make allowances for their different size and shape.
