Tire Tanks for Watering Livestock
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Tire Tanks for Watering Livestock
Tire Tanks for Watering Livestock
Joshua Jackson, Carmen Agouridis, Steve Higgins, and Lee Moser, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Click to view the publication:
www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/AEN/AEN133/AEN133.pdf
Kentucky’s abundant forage and ex- tensive stream system have helped the Commonwealth become the largest beef producing state east of the Missis- sippi River. While streams and ponds serve as a water source for many op- erations, livestock can quickly degrade soil and water quality by trampling streambanks and defecating and urinat- ing in and around waterbodies (Figure 1). These actions increase sediment, pathogen, and nutrient loads to streams, rivers, and lakes which in turn can causes eutrophication. Eutrophication occurs when excessive or high levels of nutrients promote algal growth that can lead to algal blooms (Figure 2). Algal blooms disrupt the aquatic ecosystem by using large amounts of the water’s oxygen.
In some cases, algal blooms can release harmful toxins.
To help protect the health of Kentucky’s soil and water, producers can implement best management practices (BMPs). These practices, as outlined in the Kentucky Agricultural Water Quality Act (KAWQA), help reduce the sources of pollutants and/or the trans- port of pollutants to waterways. One such practice or BMP is limiting cattle access to streams and ponds; another complementary practice is establishing and protecting riparian bu ers. Riparian bu ers are vegetated areas adjacent to waterbodies (Figure 3). Riparian buf- fers protect and improve water quality by filtering sediments, nutrients, and pathogens in runo ; stabilize stream- banks by holding the soil in place; help regulate water temperatures during the summer by providing shade; and provide food and cover to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
When producers exclude livestock access to stream and ponds and their associated riparian bu ers, an alternative source of water is required. Automatic water fountains are one commonly used means of providing cattle with water from an alternate source (Figure 4). A water tank constructed using a heavy equipment tire may serve as a viable option for supplying livestock with an alternate source of water (Figure 5). A tire-tank waterer uses a loader, grader, dump truck, or similar OTR (o the road) tire as the reservoir. Because these tires have a large circumference, live- stock have more access for drinking as compared to traditional automatic water fountains. A tire-tank waterer should remain operational for over 10 years, and in many cases, will cost less than other types of permanent water sources.
As with any livestock management prac- tice, tire-tank waterers offer advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional automatic water fountains.
Advantages
-Size. A tire-tank waterer can typically hold
500-800 gallons, depending on the size of the tire. A larger diameter means more livestock can drink at one time (e.g., 10-16 head versus one to two for automatic water fountains).
-Cost. Used heavy duty tires may be free if picked-up. Expect additional costs for tires if delivery is required and if the sidewall is already removed.
Durability. Heavy duty tires are durable and can withstand forces exerted by large live stock.
Disadvantages
-Availability. Identifying a local source of
heavy duty tires may be challenging. A sup- plier may not be available in your county.
Handling. Large tires can weigh over 1,000 lb. meaning a tractor with a front-end load er along with a set of chains is required to move and place the tire.
Sidewall removal. Cutting out the sidewall is di cult, especially if the tire is steel belted. The process requires the use of a recipro cating saw, several saw blades, and a trac- tor and chains.
Freezing. As with an automatic water foun tain, the water in tire-tank waterers can freeze. While the tire itself provides insula- tion, the surface of the water is exposed to air and wind.
7 سال پیش
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