Buying guide: Choosing the right waterer for your livestock

Choosing the right livestock watering system is crucial for maximizing the productivity and growth of your herd. A well-designed, properly positioned, and functional waterer can directly impact animal health and well-being. But how do you choose the right one?

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect watering solution for your farm.

Age, type and number of animals

An animal's water requirements vary depending on its species, age, diet, weight, and production type. Waterers for cattle pigs, or poultry are designed to meet the specific needs of each type of livestock.

For example, a cow can consume up to 40% of its daily water intake immediately after milking. Quick and easy access to a water source is therefore essential for optimal animal productivity.

Refer to table to adjust your selection according to your herd.

Waterers: Selection guide

Material Trough Valve Flow at 45 PSI Water inlet BMR code Calf Dairy cow Cattle Horse Sheep Goat Pig
Stainless steel Tube 20 L/min 1/2 in. female overhead or underneath 081-4980   *** ** **      
Stainless steel Tube 22 L/min 1/2 in. female overhead 018-5851   *** ** **      
Galvanized Float 4 L/min 1/2 in. male both sides 028-0989 **     *** *** *** ***
Polyethylene Float 15 L/min 1/2 in. male right side 064-5052 **     *** *** ***  

Material Trough Valve Flow at 45 PSI Water inlet BMR code Calf Dairy cow Cattle Horse Sheep Goat Pig
Fiberglass   Tube, not included 22 L/min 1/2 in. female overhead or underneath 020-2477   ***   **      
Fiberglass Tube 22 L/min 1/2 in. female overhead 001-4081   ***          
Polypropylene Tube 14 L/min 1/2 in. male overhead 018-5860 ** ** *** *** ** **  
Polypropylene Tube 6,2 L/min 1/2 in. male overhead 029-5972 ***       *** ***  
Polypropylene Float 6 L/min 1/2 in. male both sides 018-5879 **     *** *** *** **
Matériau Acier inoxydable Acier inoxydable Acier galvanisé Polyéthylène
Abreuvoir

Soupape Tube Tube Flotte Flotte
Débit d'eau 20 L/min 22L / min 4 L/min 15 L/min
Entrée d'eau 1/2 po femelle par le dessus ou le dessous 1/2 po femelle par le dessus 1/2 po mâle par les 2 côtés 1/2 po mâle par le côté droit
Code BMR 081-4980 018-5851 028-0989 064-5052
Veau     ** **
Vache laitière *** ***    
Bovin ** **    
Cheval ** ** *** ***
Mouton     *** ***
Chèvre     *** ***
Porc     ***  

Matériau Fibre de verre Fibre de verre Polypropylène Polypropylène Polypropylène
Abreuvoir
Soupape Tube, non incluse Tube Tube Tube Flotte
Débit d'eau 22 L/min 22 L/min 14 L/min 6,2 L/min 6 L/min
Entrée d'eau 1/2 po femelle par le dessus ou le dessous 1/2 po femelle par le dessus 1/2 po mâle par le dessus 1/2 po mâle par le dessus 1/2 po mâle par les 2 côtés
Code BMR 020-2477 001-4081 018-5860 029-5972 018-5879
Veau     ** *** **
Vache laitière *** *** **    
Bovin     ***    
Cheval **   ***   ***
Mouton     ** *** ***
Chèvre     ** *** ***
Porc         **

Selecting the best materials for your waterers

When choosing materials for your livestock waterers, factors like durability, cost, and maintenance ease play a significant role. Let's explore the primary options:

Stainless steel

Easy to clean and sanitize. It doesn't rust or deform. This durable material is less expensive than other options.

Plastic (thermoplastic or polyethylene)

Ideal for tight budgets. Easy maintenance.

Galvanized steel

Its sturdiness makes it a reliable and durable choice, even in the hardest environments. Easy to clean.

Fiberglass

Resistant to chemicals, impacts, and pests. Easy to clean.

Choose a material that suits your farming needs and budget.

Selecting the best materials for your waterersSelecting the best materials for your waterers

What water flow rate is recommended for a waterer?

The water flow rate directly impacts your herd's ability to meet their water needs. Here are the recommended flow rates for different types of waterers:

Tube waterer: 14 to 18 liters per minute

Constant-level or group waterer: 32 to 42 liters per minute

According to official recommendations, a dairy cow consumes an average of 75 liters of water per day, spread over 7 to 8 drinks of 10 to 15 liters per minute. Therefore, it is essential to choose a waterer model that meets this requirement.

Pro tip : Connect your waterers to your water supply to ensure a consistent flow rate and optimal pressure.

Individual or group waterer?

The choice between individual and group waterers depends on the type of stall.

Individual waterer: Suitable for tie stalls. Designed for a single animal at a time.

Group waterer: Ideal for free stalls. Allows several animals to drink simultaneously. Equivalent to two watering points.

Individual or group waterer?Individual or group waterer?

How many watering points and where to set them up

The number of waterers in a livestock building should be adjusted to the size of the herd and the type of livestock.

For example, in free-stall barns, one watering point is recommended for every ten cows.

Waterers should be installed in easily accessible locations that do not obstruct the movement of the herd. Avoid concentrating animals around a single point to prevent bottlenecks.

It is best to install watering points at the exist of the milking parlor and near the feed troughs. Ideally, the installation should allow the animal to drink without blocking its herdmates, while remaining within the scraping area.

How many watering points and where to set them upHow many watering points and where to set them up

How high should a waterer be?

The height of the waterer will depend on the type of animal. Position the waterer at a height that allows the animal to comfortably immerse its muzzle to drink.

For example, for a dairy cow, the water level should be between 70 to 80 cm (28 to 32 in.) from the ground.

How high should a waterer be?How high should a waterer be?

Visit bmr.ca to explore a wide range of individual and group waterers, or speak with an in-store expert for personalized advice.

Best-sellers

Shop by category

Les renseignements de cet article sont présentés à titre informatif seulement et peuvent ne pas être applicables dans certaines situations ou facteurs particuliers. En cas de doute, adressez-vous à un expert du BMR de votre région.