For those in the agricultural sector, weighing equipment plays a vital role in helping to evaluate a multitude of assets, including the performance and growth of livestock. From accurately weighing animal feed to charting the growth of cattle, sheep and pigs, livestock scales assist farmers, dairy producers, and other professions with daily operations.
If you’re contemplating replacing outdated units or are looking to expand your resources with another scale, it’s integral to know what kind of tools are best suited to your exact needs. Below are a few areas to keep in mind before purchasing livestock scales.
The Portable Versus Stationary Debate
When deciding between acquiring either a portable or stationary weighing unit, it’s important to remember what points you need to address in order to best suit your needs.
Stationary scales are useful for capturing the combined group weight of a herd, and usually feature a customized platform with gates to help facilitate this without the risk of animals leaving or getting injured. This is particularly valuable if you constantly need to monitor the weight of multiple animals at once, but do not need the added benefits or trade-offs associated with more portable models.
Portable scales, in contrast, offer greater flexibility when it comes to weighing off-site, and are ideal for those who regularly transport livestock to and from markets, and other such external events. If you need to know the weight of your herd while away from your main base of operations, such scales are vital.
What Are Your Data Storage Needs?
Another key question to ask when considering between a portable and stationary scale is the requirements of your data storage. Data sets are vital when tracking the progression of your assets and choosing a scale with adequate storage capabilities is a must.
Weight Gain Assessment
Tired of playing a guessing game when it comes to measuring out feed and monitoring the weight gain of your herd? Stationary scales are great for assessing feedbags prior to feeding and make it easier to keep track of the growth of your animals. In addition, you’ll want to look for a scale that has farm management software designed to make it simple to monitor feed levels over longer time periods.
Durability
Finally, when it comes to weighing livestock, you’ll need to purchase solutions with durability in mind. As a less than cooperative load, animals can cause damage to weaker models. Be sure the model you select is able to withstand harsh conditions and the unique demands of weighing animals, as well as any other factors that come with the livestock trade. You’ll also want to consider whether the unit will be remaining stationary, or moved as needed as well as the longevity of the product as well.
Learn more about finding the best portable and stationary livestock scales for your application by contacting Accurate Scale today.