To create a feeding system that’s right for your operation, consider setting up cattle feed bunks. These bunks are the perfect place for cattle to graze in between feedings. Here are a few tips to make the process run smoothly. First, establish a consistent feeding time. If you feed the cattle ten minutes earlier than usual, they might not get the message that it’s time to feed. When cattle are aggressive toward each other after feeding, the time may be off.
Shovel 10
The new Shovel 10 for cattle feed bunks is designed with the feed storage area in mind. It features a channel-shaped cross section with vertical upstanding sides that span the front and rear. Its elongated handle swings outwards with a stop device to prevent outward swinging, and the gate swings inward when material contacts it. This new shovel was developed specifically to scrape the adjacent wall of the bunk with ease.
The beefed-up design of the FEED BUNK SHOVEL features six claims and four figures, and it is especially designed to clean narrow cattle feed bunks. This style of cattle feed bunk is often used in conjunction with automatic feeders, so it is particularly designed for narrow feed bunks. To facilitate this process, the beef industry has made several improvements to the Shovel 10 for cattle feed bunks.
The Shovel 10 for cattle feed bunks also features a wide yoke and rear gate that act as a stop when lifting the shovel. The yoke also enables the user to use the shovel from within the bunk, although he should remain outside the bunk. In addition, the Shovel 10 for cattle feed bunks features a rounded handle to prevent accidental swivel movements.
Cross bars
When choosing a cattle feed bunk, make sure to consider the capacity of the building and how the livestock will be moving in and out of it. Heavy duty cattle bunks are more robust than their smaller counterparts and can accommodate up to 20 head. Bottomless feed bunks can be used with a variety of animals, and bottomless feed bunks have a tapered toe kick to reduce aggression. The cross bars on these bunks add strength and prevent cows from being kicked into the bunk by their own weight.
The effect of the cross bars on cattle feed bunks was not significant. This interaction did not influence the height of the feed bunk, and bunk displacements were higher during the first 20 minutes of arrival in the pen than at the 30-min interval. In the first half of the study, observers watched five-second video clips at a time of five minutes, extending the recording time to 10 s in the choice phase. The result showed that 5 s of video footage may have underestimated feeding behavior by as much as 10.8%.
The microclimate of the feed bunk area was measured for a 24-hour period following the choice phase, preventing the animals from damaging the measurement equipment. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured using loggers suspended from a shade structure above the feed bunk. These loggers were placed 1.1 m above the feed bunk for two days, allowing for 24-hour monitoring. The results were compared to two other feed bunks with the same settings and conditions.
Yoke member 22
A yoke member 22 of a yoke-driven cattle feeder comprises a tubular transverse cross member and two downwardly directed leg assemblies. The cross member 33 supports the conveyor assembly 28 above the bunk 22, while the leg assemblies each have a first upright member 37 and an inwardly directed horizontal arm 38. A pair of longitudinal tension springs 194 and 198 thread through the yoke 168 to provide additional strength to the unit.
The material in the hopper 21 is conveyed to the hopper via the moving belt 123. Sweep assembly 263 directs the material to the feed bunk from the belt run. It is possible to direct the material to one side of the bunk through a diverter means, if necessary. The conveyor system can include a side shield to limit the lateral movement of the belt 123.
Scoop shovels: These tools are designed to dig out the excess material from cattle feed bunks. They feature a channel-shaped design and can be used in a forward and rearward motion. The shovels feature blades with channel-shaped edges, and the open front end facilitates easy access to the loosened feed. The gates swing inward when material contacts the gate. A spit shovel is not suitable for handling contaminated feed.
