Ball waters Feeder Cattle

[littletom]

How many balls do you need for a load of 6-7 weights? All the big pens i have now they have access to a 4 ball and a big spring. Thinking about expanding into another small field. It has a 4 hole richy i dont think this is enough. I asked on the other thread about the tire water. But i wonder about cleaning between loads.

 

[Mark Reynolds]

I have a ballpark figure for you, but first a couple questions and a comment or two.

Being in Kentucky, your cattle shouldn't be required to walk more then 600 feet to a water source. This can be extended up to 800 feet if the pasture is level and there is a clear line of sight to the waterer from anywhere in the pasture.

The number of waterers will depend a bit upon the flow rate of the water. I typically leave those calculations up to the engineer, but in essence, if the flow rate is too slow, you will need more waterers.

As for the number of ball waterers you should have, you should have a ball waterer for every 20-25 head within each pasture. More waterers are needed if spacing results in distances greater than 600 feet for cattle to reach a watering point within the pasture.

 

[Ebenezer]

Just from observation in summer pastures: the stated # of cows/ball is not enough. And the waterline size and the flow rate needs to be higher than for a tank/trough/tire.

 

[Silver]

Maybe I missed something. Why is it you want the ball style waterers? Lack of available electricity?

 

[Dsth]

https://miraco.com/mira-fount/mirafount-3354-s/this four ball waterer handles 200 head beef.

 

[SBMF 2015]

a load of 6-7 weights

A pot load like 70 or a gooseneck load like 20?
One 4ball drinker should be fine once they learn where it is.
Take a couple of the balls out or hold them down with something for a couple weeks. Cattle that have never been around that type of fountain can be slow learners sometimes.

 

[littletom]

A pot load like 70 or a gooseneck load like 20?
One 4ball drinker should be fine once they learn where it is.
Take a couple of the balls out or hold them down with something for a couple weeks. Cattle that have never been around that type of fountain can be slow learners sometimes.

Pot load they will already be drinking from one in staring pens. This will be fall winter. I dont do feeders in summer.

 

[littletom]

Maybe I missed something. Why is it you want the ball style waterers? Lack of available electricity?

No electric Four ball already in pasture.