Growing Crops an Easier Way

Posted on: 18 October 2022

Keeping accurate weight measurements is key for all kinds of livestock, but it's especially important when raising cattle. Cows rarely show signs of illness before something is serious aside from small fluctuations in weight and feed consumed. Tracking weight is easier than measuring every ounce of feed, but it still requires the use of a well-maintained livestock scale. Make sure you're getting the full use of your livestock scale with these four useful accessories.

Cable Management Ties

Inaccurate measurements are often due to malfunctions with the equipment itself. If the issue is intermittent, you might think it's unavoidable and miss the fact that it's being caused by something as simple as a cable being bent, twisted, or partially disconnected. It's easy for barn workers or even the cattle to cause one of these cable issues if they're just left coiled on the floor. Try cable covers or simple plastic ties to keep cables out of the way and firmly connected to the scale and other equipment.

Data Tracking Equipment

The days of writing cattle weight in a tracking book are long gone. Today's livestock scales are designed to integrate with data tracking equipment, with many options available to the barn manager. Try a wireless system that uses Bluetooth to send cattle tag numbers and weights to a laptop or handheld device. For a more complex set of measurements tracked right there in the barn, invest in a complete weighing center. These tough computer systems are installed right next to the scale for constant tracking of cattle weight and can easily export and backup data anywhere you need it.

Rubberized Mats

Livestock scales and the ramps leading in and out of them are often slick and kept easy to clean. However, the metal platforms can be noisy and may spook cattle that are skittish or unfamiliar with barn settings. Rubberized mats are the easiest way to add traction and quiet noise, making it easier for cows to get in and out without slipping. If cut to size, these mats shouldn't interfere with the use of the scale and should be easier to set for tare if necessary to compensate for the extra weight.

Cleaning Brush

Any bits of debris in the barn or carried in by the cattle can get caught up in the scale and interfere with an accurate reading. Keep a nylon-bristled brush with a long handle on hand to quickly clear out any straw, twigs, or manure that falls into the machinery so weighing can continue without risking finger injuries by reaching between pieces of metal.