Using Livestock Equipment and Supplies
Discover what you need to know about using livestock equipment and supplies
Livestock farms use different types of livestock equipment and supplies. Each type of livestock has a line of equipment and supplies designed specifically to meet its needs. Regardless of the purpose of the farm, livestock equipment and supplies play a part in the everyday routines and upkeep.Having the proper equipment and supplies is important to the success of the farm. Using livestock equipment and supplies properly is even more critical. When thinking about purchasing a livestock supply, consider the following:
1. What is the primary type of animal for which you will purchase livestock equipment and supplies?
2. What actions do you wish to carry out with your livestock equipment and supplies?
3. How much help will you have using livestock equipment and supplies?
Using medical livestock equipment and supplies
Read all of the labeling, especially on unfamiliar medicines. Most livestock medicines dispense intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or orally. Some labels warn against using milk, eggs, or meat from animals after treatment. Wash your hands before administering any medications. Be certain to choose the correct needle and syringe for the injection. Intramuscular injections require a larger needle size to reach the muscle. Typically a 1 ½ inch, 16 or 18 gauge will work. Subcutaneous injections require a smaller size since they only go under the skin. Try a ½ to 1 inch needle in the same gauge. Calculate appropriate dosages by the animal's body weight. Keep a medical record of your livestock; this is very important for animals that are food producers. Mark animals such as dairy cows with a sticker or band to remind you to discard their milk for the allotted time. Keep records of dates and doses of preventative medicines, such as black shots, wormers, and other vaccinations.
Try: Since most farmers administer their own basic healing and preventative livestock medicines, you can purchase livestock medical supplies from Jeffers Livestock. Learn about proper diary cattle supplies from FOA.
Be cautious with livestock handling equipment
Even with the proper equipment, it takes skill to handle livestock properly. Livestock become anxious and harder to handle when forced. Allow the animals to take the lead as much as possible. Most types of livestock will follow a leader. Give the first animal time and space to locate the opening and enter it and the rest will usually follow. Avoid overcrowding. Most chutes are 20 feet long. Working chutes may be more effective with overhead restrainers that prevent animals from turning around, rearing up, or jumping over the chute. Mature cattle need a space of 20 by 20 feet per head in a working pen. Working and separating animals works best with multiple pens and gates for letting animals in and out.
Try: Buy chutes from Filson Livestock. Learn about proper goat handling equipment from Tennessee Meat Goats.
Feed and water animals with livestock equipment and supplies.
There are many different types of feeding and watering supplies. If animals cannot have access to fresh water supplies, use a watering trough. If possible, place the trough out of direct sunlight to help prevent algae growth. Use slabs of concrete for cattle feeding locations. High traffic livestock areas are muddy and rough. This can lead to foot disease. A textured concrete gives the animals more grip for standing. Rinse water and feeding troughs periodically to clean out mold growth and residue.
Try: Purchase hay feeders from Century Livestock. Discover durable water troughs from Farm Industry News.
- Livestock farms, like other businesses, qualify for tax identification numbers. Get a number and purchase wholesale livestock supplies through your farm. Also consider used livestock equipment sales.
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