How to Choose the Right Size Concrete Feed Trough for Your Livestock Needs

Selecting the right size concrete feed trough is a crucial decision for livestock owners. It directly impacts feeding efficiency, reduces waste, and ensures your animals are well-nourished. With various options available, understanding the factors influencing your choice—such as the type of livestock, feed, and available space—can simplify the process. In this blog post, we’ll guide you in choosing a feed trough that suits your livestock and property needs perfectly. Whether you’re managing a small flock or a large herd, these tips will ensure you invest in the right feeding solution.

Understand Your Livestock's Feeding Habits

Livestock species and their feeding behaviours are the first factors to consider. Different animals require troughs designed for their specific needs to ensure accessibility and comfort.

Cattle: As larger animals and social feeders, cattle need spacious troughs allowing multiple heads to feed simultaneously. This reduces competition and ensures equal access for all members of the herd.
Sheep & goats: These smaller and more selective feeders benefit from narrower troughs with lower heights, which make it easier for them to access feed comfortably without straining or spilling.

By understanding feeding habits, you can minimise competition and ensure all animals receive adequate nutrition.

Superior Durability of Concrete Cattle Grids

One of the standout features of concrete cattle grids is their resilience. Farms often endure harsh weather conditions, heavy traffic, and the weight of large equipment, and concrete grids are specifically designed to withstand these challenges.

Key advantages:

Weather Resistance: Concrete doesn’t corrode or warp like steel or wood, making it ideal for Australia’s extreme weather.
Load-Bearing Strength: Engineered to support the weight of heavy farm vehicles and livestock.
Longevity: With proper installation, these grids can last for decades without significant deterioration.

For farmers seeking a long-term solution, concrete cattle grids are a smart and cost-effective investment.

Assess the Number of Animals

The size of your herd or flock directly impacts the size and number of feed troughs required. Feeding larger groups demands strategic planning to prevent overcrowding and underfeeding.

For large herds: Opt for elongated troughs that can accommodate multiple animals simultaneously. These designs reduce competition and allow ample space for every animal to feed simultaneously.
For segregated groups: Use smaller troughs strategically placed in different areas to make managing separate groups, such as younger or weaker animals, easier.

Consider the feeding behaviour of the group—dominant animals may block access for weaker ones, necessitating multiple troughs to ensure fair distribution.

Match Trough Size to Feed Type

The type of feed you use can determine the dimensions and capacity of the trough. Improper sizing can lead to spillage, wastage, or difficulty accessing feed.

Grain & pellets: Require shallower troughs with smooth edges to prevent feed loss and make it easier for livestock to consume smaller feed particles without scattering.
Hay & silage: Work best in deeper, wider troughs that can handle bulkier feed types while keeping them contained, reducing mess, and ensuring even distribution.
Mixed feeds: Need troughs with sufficient capacity to hold various feed types without overflow, providing versatility and ensuring all feed components are accessible to livestock.

Selecting the right size trough for your feed type ensures efficient feeding and reduces waste, saving time and money in the long run.

Consider Available Space in Feeding Areas

The layout of your property’s feeding area plays a key role in choosing trough size. Proper placement ensures livestock can access the feed comfortably while preventing congestion.
- Open paddocks: Allow larger troughs to serve multiple animals simultaneously, ensuring all livestock have sufficient space to feed simultaneously without stress. These setups also make distributing feed evenly across a larger group easier.
- Constrained spaces: Require longer, narrower troughs to maximise access within limited areas. This helps maintain order among animals and prevent overcrowding. These troughs are ideal for smaller herds or areas with restricted feeding zones.
Place the troughs where they are easily accessible for both livestock and equipment used for filling and cleaning.

Prioritise Durability for Long-Term Use

Concrete feed troughs are popular for their strength and longevity, making them ideal for harsh conditions on rural properties. When choosing a trough, prioritise those built to withstand daily wear and tear.

Opt for reinforced concrete designs that resist cracking and damage.
Choose finishes that reduce erosion caused by water, feed acids, or animal impact.

Durable feed troughs are a cost-effective investment that saves money on frequent replacements or repairs.

Think About Mobility & Placement

While concrete feed troughs are typically stationary, their placement can significantly impact their effectiveness. Thoughtful positioning ensures convenience for both livestock and caretakers.

Place troughs on level ground to prevent tipping or instability.
Avoid areas prone to water pooling or flooding, which can lead to contamination and spoilage.
If possible, position troughs near shade or shelter to improve livestock comfort during feeding times.

Planning trough placement optimises accessibility and helps maintain the quality of the feed.

Evaluate the Ease of Maintenance

Regular maintenance of feeding equipment is essential for livestock health and the longevity of the trough. Choose troughs that are easy to clean and maintain.

Smooth finishes: Prevent feed buildup and make cleaning quick and hassle-free. This also minimises the risk of mould or pests contaminating leftover feed.
Drainage features: Allow easy removal of water and debris, preventing stagnant water from accumulating and reducing the chances of bacterial growth.
Resistant surfaces: Protect against staining and bacterial growth, ensuring hygienic feeding conditions while maintaining the appearance and functionality of the trough over time.

Well-maintained troughs reduce the risk of disease transmission and promote healthier livestock.

Tailor to Climate & Environmental Factors

Different climates and environmental conditions present unique challenges that must be considered when choosing feed troughs. The troughs need to withstand varying weather patterns and adapt to the terrain of your property.

Hot climates: Opt for troughs designed to resist cracking under intense sunlight and high temperatures.
Cold regions: Choose frost-resistant designs to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Humid or coastal areas: Look for concrete mixes resistant to moisture and potential corrosion from environmental factors.

By selecting feed troughs designed to handle the specific conditions of your area, you can ensure they remain durable and effective over time.

Get the Perfect Feed Trough for Your Livestock

Selecting the right size feed trough is a critical decision for every farmer or livestock owner. By considering factors such as your animals’ feeding habits, herd size, available space, and environmental conditions, you can make an informed choice that benefits your livestock and your bottom line.

At Graham’s Precast Concrete Products, we’re here to help. Explore our extensive range of concrete feed troughs in QLD and NSW. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs and find the ideal solution for your farm.