Livestock Equipment and Supplies Basics

Livestock equipment and supplies basics every farmer should know

By L. Newton

Livestock equipment and supplies make farming easier and more efficient. It is important for anyone on a farm to know livestock equipment and supplies basics. Many farmers buy wholesale livestock supplies. One can purchase livestock equipment and supplies for handling, medicating, feeding, transporting, and more. Because of the wide variety of products on the market, knowing exactly which item is right for your livestock is not always easy.

When thinking about what types of livestock equipment and supplies are right for your farm, there are several factors to consider. Think about the following:

1. What do you wish to accomplish with your livestock equipment and supplies?

2. What type of livestock handling equipment will you need?

3. How often will you use livestock equipment and supplies for transporting animals?

Assess livestock equipment and supplies required for transportation

Farmers take livestock to shows, sales, veterinarians and breeding barns. The most common livestock trailer is metal and covered. However, some still use wooden open top livestock trailers for transporting smaller animals such as goats and pigs. A livestock trailer with a section divider is good for hauling cattle. Farmers can separate cows and calves for safety. It also helps to use the divider when loading. The first cows on can be closed in so they will not try to come back off the trailer. Trailers with side exit doors are good for hauling horses. Most horses are led onto the trailer. The handler can exit through the side door. Some trailers are straight step-up entry for the animals and others have a slant load. Trailers also differ in the type of hitch. Some are bumper hitch while others are gooseneck. If you plan to travel a lot or a long distance with your livestock, you may consider purchasing a trailer with a supply compartment to store feeds and other livestock supplies.
Try: Purchase gooseneck trailers from companies like FeatherLite. Kiefer Built offers straight load and slant load trailers.

Purchase basic medical livestock supplies for at-home treatment

Veterinary bills can accumulate very quickly on a farm. It is best if you have some do-it-yourself supplies available. These are especially beneficial when animals get sick at night or on the weekends. Livestock medical supplies include medicines, vaccinations, syringes, wound care, birthing supplies, and pests treatments. Most give medicines and vaccinations by shot. Wound care treatments are typically sprays. Many give pest treatment for flies, ticks, and worms by mouth, shot, spray, or pour on. Birthing supplies include devices that allow farmers to help livestock mothers by pulling the baby by its feet. When thinking about medical supplies for your farm, remember to include sterilization sprays and cleaners along with gloves.
Try: Livestock Concepts sells livestock injectable medicines. Quality Supply offers several different vaccines for livestock.

Consider livestock handling equipment to do more hands-on work with fewer people

Farmers can purchase a variety livestock handling equipment. Larger, wilder animals may require larger and stronger handling equipment while smaller and tamer animals may need only lightweight handling supplies. Handling supplies allow farmers to work hands-on with their livestock. Much handling equipment allows for the maximum work with the fewest people. Holding pens, chutes, corrals, and head catches work as durable handling equipment. For animals that only require light control, purchase halters, ropes, and lightweight panels.
Try: DS Livstock sells sheep and goat handling equipment. Powder River has a variety of cattle handling equipment and cattle supplies.

If you are uncertain about the type of livestock equipment and supplies that you need, consult a livestock equipment sales professional. If trying to decide between two types of equipment, consider renting the equipment for trial, then make your purchase. Also consider used livestock equipment.

Livestock Equipment and Supplies Basics