Trough Maintenance
Generally, when people think about livestock troughs, it’s not often that they will consider what maintenance is required in order to extend their lifespan.
Whilst concrete is one of the most strongest and durable materials on the market, there are certain environmental, physical and geological factors that can affect the life span of your trough, which in turn impacts the health and yield rates of your livestock.
These factors can include:
Seasonal changes in temperature
Soil erosion
Placement of trough
Capacity, height and length of your trough
Whilst not all troughs are produced from concrete, it is important to understand how each type stack up – certainly in terms of required maintenance, lifespan and other key benefits.
The cost
If we were to analyse all types of livestock troughs on the market today, concrete troughs will be among the best bang for your buck! When we look at the lifespan of a galvanised steel or plastic trough for instance, whilst they may be a cheaper alternative, factors including practicality, durability, maintenance will impact the ultimate cost of the product. For example, steel and plastic troughs may be subject to deterioration much quicker than concrete, which in turn may increase maintenance schedules and replacements.
Livestock Trough Comparison Chart
Concrete offers a range of benefits with little to no maintenance, it really all starts with the initial set up. Set up being level placement, location in terms of water run-off and erosion. With record high rainfall just in the recent months, we will see water run off or pooling in places we wouldn’t normally see it, so ideally precast concrete troughs should be located somewhere on higher ground, thus also eliminate fouling up in and around your troughs.
Precast concrete livestock, cattle and sheep troughs also provide excellent temperature regulating qualities during the warmer months promoting less bacteria and rapid algae growth. The fact that most precast concrete troughs will feature a vale, also allows for water to be oxygenated – however, despite these features, it is recommended that troughs are cleaned intermittently, certainly given the impacts of poor quality water can have on livestock health and yield and in turn the total cost of ownership.
Mid West Concrete is a name you can depend upon, with a solid reputation for manufacturing high quality precast concrete since 1985.
We are focused on delivering the best outcomes for our customers through our impeccable product design, construction and delivery systems. For perfect function, worry-free durability and on-schedule delivery, look no further.
We are owner-operated, so you can trust us to get it right every time.
Mid West Concrete has been the trusted name manufacturing high quality precast concrete products for over 30 years now, we specialise in the design and manufacture of quality livestock water troughs, acknowledging the importance of providing stock with clean water and implementing it back into how we design and continually improve our products.
Our cattle, stock, equine and small animal concrete water troughs are high-quality, durable and available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
Contact our friendly team today!