Drinking troughs for cows and cattle: The key to herd health and high milk yields
Water is the most important and cheapest “feed” for cattle. To produce 1 liter of milk, a cow needs to drink 3 to 5 liters of water. That is why properly selected and installed drinking troughs for cows are a critical element of the infrastructure of any modern farm.
VADA offers a wide range of watering equipment that provides animals with clean water in the required volume 24/7.
What are modern cattle drinkers?
Cattle drinkers are specialized technical devices designed with the physiological characteristics of animals in mind. They ensure hygienic water supply, prevent contamination with feed or excrement, and maintain the optimal temperature of the liquid.
In our catalog, you can find:
- Individual cup drinkers (great for tethered housing).
- Group troughs and tipping drinkers (perfect for loose housing).
- Specialized drinkers for calves (with a soft valve or teat).
- Nipple drinkers for cattle.
What problems does the installation of professional drinkers solve?
The use of outdated watering methods (buckets, common troughs without a flow system) leads to a number of problems that can be easily solved by purchasing new generation waterers for cows:
- Moisture deficiency: Cows do not wait for a watering schedule, but drink when they feel thirsty. Automatic systems eliminate the risk of dehydration.
- Water contamination: Closed or self-cleaning systems minimize the entry of bacteria, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
- System freezing: Heated models or circulation pumps guarantee access to water even at −25∘C.
- High humidity in the room: The design of the drinkers prevents water splashing, keeping the bedding dry and reducing the risk of hoof diseases.
Benefits for farmers and animals
For cows:
- Increased productivity: Constant access to water increases milk yield by 5–15%.
- Improved metabolism: Water is essential for proper digestion and absorption of dry feed.
- Comfort: Animals experience less stress, especially in hot weather.
For farmers:
- Time savings: The watering process is fully automated.
- Reduced veterinary costs: Healthy livestock means lower costs for treating mastitis and infections.
- Durability: Modern materials (stainless steel, high-quality cast iron, or food-grade plastic) last for decades.
Comparative Characteristics of Drinker Types
Type of Drinker for Cattle
Drinker Material
Housing Type
Drinker Advantage
Bowl drinker
Cast iron / Plastic
Tethered
Individual hygiene for each animal
Group drinker
Stainless steel
Free-stall
Simultaneous drinking for several cows
Nipple drinker
Plastic / Steel
Pasture / Open
Water saving, consumption control
For calves
Food-grade plastic
Individual pens
Easy access for young animals
Comparative Characteristics of Drinker Types
| Type of Drinker for Cattle | Drinker Material | Housing Type | Drinker Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl drinker | Cast iron / Plastic | Tethered | Individual hygiene for each animal |
| Group drinker | Stainless steel | Free-stall | Simultaneous drinking for several cows |
| Nipple drinker | Plastic / Steel | Pasture / Open | Water saving, consumption control |
| For calves | Food-grade plastic | Individual pens | Easy access for young animals |
This table will help you navigate your choice of equipment depending on your needs.
How to choose a drinking bowl for cattle
The choice of drinking bowls depends on how the animals are kept and their needs. Individual cup drinking bowls are suitable for tethered animals. For untethered animals, it is better to use group troughs or thermo drinking bowls.
Adult cows drink quickly, so the drinker must be able to fill a container with up to 20 liters per minute. Calves need drinkers with a sensitive valve that can be easily opened with their muzzle.
If the cowshed is not heated, choose heated or water-circulating drinkers.
Why should you buy cow drinkers from VADA?
Choosing a supplier is just as important as choosing the equipment itself. VADA is your reliable partner in the field of animal husbandry.
- Expert advice: We don't just sell drinkers, we help you calculate the number of drinking points according to your livestock.
- World-class quality: We supply livestock equipment that has been certified and tested on real farms.
- Comprehensive approach: We have everything from bowls to automated drinking systems.
- Fast logistics: Having our own warehouse allows us to ship orders throughout Ukraine in the shortest possible time.
FAQ – Cattle Drinkers
1. How many animals can one drinker serve?
One drinker for adult cows usually serves 5–10 animals at the same time. For calves, the number is lower because they drink more slowly.
2. Where is the best place to install drinkers?
Drinkers should be installed in easily accessible places for all animals, away from feeding alleys and bedding accumulation areas. This ensures water cleanliness and convenient drinking.
3. Do all drinkers work in winter?
No, standard drinkers can freeze. For cold seasons, heated drinkers or systems with heating are recommended so that water always remains liquid.