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Cattle Equipment Basics

Learn the basics for your cattle equipment needs

By L. Newton
Farmers need a variety of cattle equipment on farms. Some farms raise cattle for the beef and other farms raise cattle for making dairy products. No matter what type of cattle farm you own, you need cattle livestock equipment to make it successful, whether the equipment is new or used. This equipment helps to make a farmer's job easier and more effective.

Cattle equipment basics include cattle handling equipment, cattle medical equipment, and cattle breeding equipment. All types of cattle equipment are important to the operation of a cattle farm. Some equipment farmers use for the health of the cows and other equipment also makes the work safer for the farmer. When thinking about cattle equipment basics for your cattle farm, consider the following:

1. What type of cattle equipment will you use the most often?

2. What purpose do you wish your cattle equipment to serve?

3. What budget do you have set to spend on your cattle equipment?

 

Use cattle handling equipment on your farm

Cattle handling equipment makes it easier for farmers to work hands on with their cattle. This equipment includes head catches, cattle chutes, corrals, and holding pens. Some cattle handling equipment allows for one-person operation. Head catches hold cattle around their neck preventing them from fleeing during shots and other hands-on working. Cattle herds are separated in corrals for calf weaning, selling, and working.
Try: Learn about reducing stress for the herd when handling cattle from Grandin. Ohio Online also offers great advice on properly handling and managing cows.

Save on veterinary bills by having medical cattle equipment on hand

The farmer handles many veterinary cattle equipment needs on the farm. Farmers administer vaccines, wormers, antibodies, and more. Liquids and sprays to rid cattle of flies are available. Farmers also perform simple medical procedures such as castrations, calf deliveries, and dehorning.
Try: Read the article in Cattle Today that focuses on safely dehorning cows. Cattle Network offers tips for preparing and conditioning cattle for dehorning. Read both before attempting to dehorn your herd for the first time.

Learn about cattle breeding equipment for your farm

In some cases, farmers are very selective about the breeding of their herds. They use equipment for cattle breeding to keep track of the development of their herd. Cattle breeding supplies include pregnancy detection, ovulation devices, heat detectors, and infusion pipettes. Some detect when a cow should be bred and others detect when a cow is bred.
Try: ARS discusses genetic testing for breeding in cattle. World Agriculture details information about effective cattle breeding.

 

  • When thinking about your cattle supplies needs, remember to include transportation. Most farmers need a truck and trailer for hauling, buying, and selling cows. A variety of trailer hitch types are available. Cattle trailers also come in select sizes and styles. If you don't sell and buy cattle often, you may prefer to hire someone to transport cattle.

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