Cattle Oilers Protect Your Livestock

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Rob

Your cattle are likely your most important asset on the ranch and they are susceptible to diseases that are carried and transmitted by pests of all types. Protecting them from disease-carrying pests can be as simple as installing a cattle oiler.

Cattle face significant health risks from insects that transmit dangerous and life-threatening diseases. A cattle oiler provides a simple, effective, and efficient solution to protect the health of your herd and your bottom line.

Pests That Threaten Cattle

There are many transmittable diseases spread by common insects that cause serious health issues in livestock. An infection can lead to reduced growth rates, severe physical issues, and even fatalities throughout the herd. A few of the common carriers and transmitters of disease are:

Ticks: Diseases Carried:

Ticks are notorious carriers of several diseases, including Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. These diseases can weaken the immune system, cause anemia, and in severe cases, lead to death.

Flies and Transmitted Diseases:

Flies, particularly horn flies and face flies, pose a significant threat to cattle. They can spread diseases like Bovine Leukosis Virus and Moraxella Bovis, causing conditions such as pinkeye and bovine leukosis, leading to significant discomfort and reduced overall well-being.

Internal Parasites:

Internal parasites like worms (e.g., roundworms and tapeworms) can cause serious health issues in cattle. Some of the more common afflictions include weight loss, reduced feed efficiency, and impaired reproductive performance.

Cattle Oilers Offer A Solution

Cattle oilers offer an economical and effective means of safeguarding cattle from pests and diseases. They offer a simple but highly efficient method of applying insecticide and pesticides to an animal’s coat. As livestock rub against oiler bushes or walk through a mop, the protective liquid is dispensed forming a shield against pests.

Cattle Oiler Designs

The two most popular means of dispensing pesticides are through a hanging mop or a motion-activated brush. Both methods are considered ‘on demand’ and help prevent unnecessary dripping and wasting of pest control liquids.

Mop Oiler

The mop oiler is typically installed in an alleyway or a transitional location. It’s hung with chains at shoulder height so when an animal walks beneath it, the steel holding tank is tipped, and a small amount of fluid is released through the weep holes on the side of the tank. Gravity then takes it to the felt and down to the mop. The tank is enclosed in felt and when coupled with the ‘tip to dispense’ design, eliminates excess dripping and waste when not in use.

Brush Oiler

The brush oiler design uses valves to regulate the release of the pesticide. It’s pressure sensitive and only allows dispensing when the brush and valve are agitated. Cows love to rub on the brushes to remove hair and itch themselves. This action triggers the valve to release fluid and the animals get a protective coating rubbed into their hide all on their own!

Protection Benefits of a Cattle Oiler

Having livestock self-apply pesticides to themselves is a great benefit to the animals and a real time-saver for a rancher. They continuously provide protection to the herd through self-application as the animals do the work.

The protection they receive from disease-carrying pests is invaluable and can be lifesaving as well. By coating the cattle’s coat with insecticides or oils, cattle oilers act as a formidable deterrent against pests. This significantly reduces the chances of insects coming into contact with the animals, effectively lowering the risk of disease transmission. With reduced pest infestations, cattle experience less discomfort and stress, leading to improved overall welfare. Happier and healthier cattle are more productive and have better growth and reproductive rates.

Cattle oilers offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution when compared to other forms of pest control. These devices use minimal amounts of insecticides yet ensure effective coverage and protection from pests.

Serious Diseases Prevented by Cattle Oilers

There are many types of transmittable diseases that can affect the health and well-being of livestock and a rancher’s bottom line. Below are two of the most common that can be preventable with the proper application of insecticides.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a dangerous disease commonly carried by ticks and flies. It is incredibly serious and fatality losses can approach 50%! After a bite, the Anaplasma organism will attach to the red blood cells making the animal weak and lethargic. It will typically stop feeding (show signs of anemia), run a fever, and minimize its movement. A cow displaying these conditions should immediately be examined by a veterinarian who will most likely treat it with a daily antibiotic to try and help it recover. It’s not a condition to be taken lightly and can lead to the death of the animal.

Pink Eye

Although the name sounds light and non-concerning, pink eye is a debilitating and painful condition that can severely affect your livestock. It is caused by a bacteria called Moraxella Bovis and is spread by flies. This bacterial infection can lead to temporary or even permanent blindness, both of which affect the feeding and drinking abilities of the animal.

There are antibiotics such as oxytetracycline that can be an effective treatment for pink eye and a vet should be consulted for a proper recovery program.

The most effective form of prevention for this disease is fly control. Reducing the population of flies limits the chances of infection. Dung beetles are known to be helpful in limiting the presence of pests and of course, protecting your animals with an insecticide is tremendously helpful as well.

Where to Buy Cattle Oilers

To prevent unnecessary diseases from affecting your herd, it’s essential that practical and effective cattle oilers be a part of your prevention program. They offer an economic, low-maintenance solution to safeguard precious livestock from dangerous illnesses.

Create a healthier environment for your animals and ensure a flourishing and thriving herd for years to come with a Cattle Oiler from Barn World.

Barn World (720) 238-2190

The Decision to Buy A Cattle Guard

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Rob

Cattle Guards provide security, convenience, and peace of mind.

The sun had already set when the family returned to the ranch with a gooseneck full of hay. They were tired and hungry, but the thought of a late home-cooked meal and a good night’s rest kept them going.

As they pulled up to the entry gate with the trailer in tow, they noticed something strange: The gate was wide open. A quick search of the surrounding pastures and their fear was confirmed. Their cattle had wandered off into the night.

Panic set in as they realized the amount of work that lay ahead and the potential trouble and danger the loose animals could create. Someone had simply forgot, or didn’t properly close and latch the gate, and now an immediate nighttime search and rescue operation for the family herd was necessary.

Up at the house, they grabbed their gear and flashlights before heading out into the dark to search for the missing cattle. They split up, each taking a different direction, and began looking in the surrounding fields and places where they thought the animals might congregate.

It wasn’t long before they realized just how difficult it was going to be to find their cattle in the middle of the night. The darkness made it hard to see and the cows could be scattered or grouped together almost anywhere.

The eldest daughter riding her ATV came across a small group grazing on some tall grass near the side of the road. A road is not where you want to come across a herd in the dark. Passing cars and trucks could easily run into them and cause a heck of an accident. The potential loss of life was at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Worried about such an event, the family kept looking in the dark for the rest of the cattle.

After another 45 minutes of searching and worrying about animal and human safety, the main herd was discovered in the dry riverbed further along the road. The family worked together to corral the animals and decided to load them into trailers instead of herding them back to the ranch in the dark.

Once they were safely back in the pasture, the family realized the importance of having a cattle guard to prevent their animals from wandering off again. They knew it was an investment that would protect their animals, their livelihood, and possibly the lives of those in the passing vehicles on the nearby road.

Within three weeks, the guard was installed and they felt a sense of relief knowing that their cattle and passing vehicles would be secure on the property. The installation ensures the safety and security of their livestock no matter who was entering or leaving their property.

Not only that, but one of the best benefits of the cattle guard is that they no longer have to deal with operating a gate. To drive up, stop, and get out to open the gate in the rain or snow was never any fun. Nor was trying to get through the entrance before the animals began crowding the gate. Fighting the large animals off to close the gate before they can escape creates a dangerous situation.

Now, the family, and anyone else for that matter, can drive through without stopping and the family no longer has to worry about their cattle leaving the pasture and wandering around roads or the neighbor’s property.

For your own safety, convenience, and peace of mind, get a cattle guard from Barn World today!

Barn World (720) 238-2190 Sales@BarnWorld.com

Stall Mat Kits from Barn World

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Rob

If you’re a horse owner, you know that maintaining a clean and safe environment for your equine friends is essential for their health and well-being. One of the best investments you can make in your barn is the high-quality, interlocking Horse Stall Mat Kits. These simple-to-install, maintenance-free mats create a sanitary surface for your horses and provide a flat, durable surface for easy daily cleaning.

Below are some of the benefits of the Interlocking Stall Mat Kits seen at Barn World.

Safety

Safety is a top priority when it comes to horse care. Interlocking stall mats provide a non-slip surface for better traction and help reduce the risk of slipping, falling, or even stumbling onto your feet when in the stall with them.

Loose stall mats that don’t interlock tightly are subject to moving and allowing shavings under the corners and edges. These raised areas create a tripping point that can catch a hoof and lead to a dangerous fall in a confined stall. Unlike the unimproved and uneven dirt surfaces seen in many stalls, the strong rubber mats interlock completely flat to prevent raised areas and eliminate any movement between them. The precision-cut teeth make an extremely tight fit so the individual mats behave as a large, single sheet of thick rubber.

Additionally, these mats are designed to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your horse’s legs, joints, and hooves. The strong rubber surface is more forgiving than dirt and helps prevent joint pain and other related standing injuries. Just as a soft mat used for people standing for long periods of time helps with leg fatigue, a stall mat helps horses avoid standing discomfort. They spend a lot of time in the stall and standing on a softer surface is beneficial to their legs and joints.

Health and Cleanliness

Another crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy environment for your horse is cleanliness. The mats provide a smooth, non-porous surface that prevents the accumulation of moisture which can lead to bacterial growth and foul odors.

Cleaning the stall mats is easy and hassle-free with the flat rubber surface. A dirty stall can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold which can affect the health of your horse and even yourself. Stall floors damp with equine urine and feces provide an ideal environment for the growth of various fungi and molds, some of which can pose health hazards to both horses and humans.

Below are a few of the health risks of a damp and dirty stall for humans and horses alike:

Aspergillus – a fungus when inhaled can cause respiratory problems in both horses and humans, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Stachybotrys: A type of mold that thrives in damp or wet conditions. Consistent exposure can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues in both horses and humans.
Fusarium: A mold that can grow on hay and straw in damp conditions found in horse stalls. Horses can develop respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Rhizopus: Another mold that affects both humans and horses with respiratory problems.
Salmonella: A bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea and vomiting, again, in both horses and humans.

To avoid these health hazards, it’s very important to maintain a clean and dry environment in your stalls. A rubber stall mat keeps the moisture from accumulating on the floor of the stall or into the dirt beneath and allows it to be absorbed by the shavings which are removed and replaced with regular cleanings. In fact, the easier it is to clean a stall, the more likely it is to be cleaned frequently. Make sure your stall is clean and dry by removing the soiled bedding and manure. Providing frequent ventilation will also help reduce the risk of exposure to these harmful agents.

Stable Connections – pun intended!

To prevent liquid such as urine or even drinking water from being absorbed into a bare stall floor or even under the mats, the kits include precision laser-cut connecting ‘teeth’ for an incredibly tight fit.

Not only does it prevent urine and water from seeping between the mats and getting below the cleanable surface, but it also holds the separate mats together so they don’t move independently and they behave as a single, solid sheet.

The fit is so precise that we recommend using a rubber mallet to make the connection between the teeth.

Quality and Durability

When it comes to durability and longevity, the Stall Mat Kits from Barn World stand out from the rest. They’re made with high-quality 100% Recycled Vulcanized Rubber which increases the rubber’s strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion. The material is designed to withstand heavy use for many years.

Summary

Horse Stall Mat Kits are maintenance-free, safer, cleaner, and healthier for animals and humans than dirt, concrete, or asphalt floors. A clean environment promotes your horse’s health and well-being while making mucking out a stall easier for those that are putting in the work.

Use fewer shavings and make cleaning much easier with the long-lasting Stall Mat Kits from Barn World.

Contact Barn World today for help planning your stall floor upgrade. They will also be able to email a quote for delivery right to your door!

Barn World | (720) 238-2190 | Sales@BarnWorld.com

A Hog Feeder Will Save Time & Money!

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Rob

A quality feeder is not only important for providing your pigs with the nutrition they need for healthy weight gains, but it’s invaluable for minimizing labor and feed waste which all contribute to profitability!

One of the best lines of Hog feeders on the market today is made by Osborne Industries.

History

Osborne was founded by a collection of farmers in the early 1970s who developed feeders to be efficient and save time and money. Their designs were self-feeding, on-demand feeders that allowed pigs to access food whenever they needed it, reducing the need for manual feeding schedules. The on-demand feature almost eliminated food waste immediately. The design translated into lower labor and bottom-line savings.

Over the years, Osborne continued to refine and improve its feeders, introducing new features and designs that further increased efficiency and durability. They developed durable pig feeders and hog feeders to cover all phases of the growth cycle. Today, they are widely recognized as one of the best feeding solutions for pigs and full-grown hogs with a reputation for quality and reliability.

Pig Feeder Benefits

The on-demand feeding design allows helps eliminate excess food waste and promotes more frequent meals throughout the day. It keeps the feed from standing in the trough where it can collect moisture and rot. The freshly dispensed food promotes more, smaller feedings, better digestion, and nutrient absorption for healthier weight gain.

How It Works: The animals learn to nudge a sweep wheel that dispenses food when moved. The wheel arm has a trough paddle on the bottom so the trough is cleaned while it travels across the bottom. It’s a self-cleaning design that helps keep food waste from building up in the bottom of the trough. The ingenious on-demand, self-cleaning design helps dramatically reduce feed waste and prevent contamination from decaying, uneaten food.

Labor Savings

Another primary advantage is labor savings. The feeders are available in capacities of up to 105 bushels which eliminates the need for frequent refilling. When combined with the on-demand-only feed release feature, the two combined practically eliminated the standing feed that becomes ‘play waste’. This keeps the feeder full longer, which means less regular filling than a gravity-fed feeder. This saves time and money!

Durability

Another significant benefit of the Osborne Pig Feeder is its durability. All of the feeders are made with high-quality precision-cut materials that are built to withstand years of abuse. The lid, hopper section, and especially the trough are made with polyethylene material which means these areas won’t rust, ever!

The entire Osborne Feeder Line is an excellent investment for farmers looking to streamline their feeding process, reduce waste, and promote health and growth. With their efficiency, durability, and labor-saving benefits, these long-lasting feeders are designed to save you time and money year after year.

Visit Barn World today to view the entire lineup and add a money-saving feeder to your operation today!

Barn World (720) 238-2190 Sales@BarnWorld.com

Crete-Heat Insulated Floor Panels for Radiant Heat

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Rob

Crete-Heat Insulated Floor Panels make the most of any radiant floor heating system. They make the PEX installation a breeze and provide not only insulation from the ground below, but also contain a built-in vapor barrier, all in one panel.

Read our review of the panels below and visit Barn World today for more information, a quote, or for help planning your project.

What is a Crete-Heat

Crete-Heat insulated floor panels are pre-engineered, modular panels designed to provide insulation for radiant floor heat in residential floors, garages, driveways, and commercial buildings. These panels are made of high-density expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), which is a lightweight and durable material that has excellent insulating properties.

The panels create a grid to hold PEX tubing in place and keep the heat from being lost into the ground.

There are quite a few benefits to using Crete-Heat insulated floor panels with radiant heating systems, but first some broad benefits of using Radiant Heat in your floor:

Radiant Heat Benefits

Improved comfort:

Radiant heating systems provide more stable temperatures when compared to traditional forced-air heating systems. This is because the heat is evenly distributed throughout the floor, creating a steadily warm environment throughout.

There is no blowing air that surges into the room that can dramatically rise the temperature until the blower shuts off. As soon as the fan does stop, the air starts cooling and it’s only a matter of time before the thermostat kicks on the blower again to douse the room with hot air and continue the roller-coaster ride of temperate swings.

In contrast, the electric boiler provides heat to the PEX quietly and consistently to the PEX which heats the floor slab. The slab then silently radiates heat upward without any dramatic temperature swings in the room.

Energy efficiency:

The radiant heat is also more energy efficient when compared to forced-air heating systems because they operate at lower temperatures and do not require the use of ductwork. Crete-Heat panels are specifically designed to provide excellent insulation. It prevents heat loss into the ground and keeps it in the floor where it’s needed and designed to provide the most benefit.

Once you’ve realized the great properties of radiant heat, the use of insulated floor panels makes installation easy and maximizes your savings.

Ease of Installation

The panels are typically 2 feet by 4 feet in size, connect to one another with overlapping lips, and are available in insulating thicknesses of 1, 2, and 3 inches. Those thicknesses create insulating values of R-6, R-10, and R-15 respectively.

side view of a crete heat insulated floor panel for radiant heating

They are designed and cut to fit together like puzzle pieces making installation easy. Cutting the styrofoam panels to fit unique spaces is also straightforward.

Once installed, the panels provide a grid-like surface that contains 7/8” tall knobs to secure PEX tubing for design and also for pouring concrete. They may be walked on and PEX installation can be done with your foot as shown in the picture below.

installing pex into a crete heat floor panel

There’s no need for the time-consuming and laborious task of suspending wires or using foam staples to hold the tubes in place. With the panels, the PEX is pushed into the knobs and held in place.

pouring concrete on insulated floor panels

Versatile:

Crete-Heat panels can be used in a variety of building types, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings without the need for running ductwork. You can simply pour your concrete floor directly on the panels.

Cost Savings:

The panels are designed to maximize the cost savings on your heating bill. The insulating properties (R-6, R-10, and R-15) keep the heat from being lost to the ground and directed into the slab where it will radiate into the room. The built in vapor barrier will protect against rising moisture.

Not to be overlooked, the grid that allows for the proper placement and spacing of PEX tubing also allows for an evenly spaced design to put the heat right where you want it. You don’t need to measure to keep the PEX perfectly separated for an even distribution of heat. The knobs do it for you!

Crete Heat Floor Panels with pex installed

These insulated floor panels create an energy-efficient and comfortable heating solution for a house, workshop, or even driveway.

Contact Barn Word today to learn more about the benefits of Crete-Heat and how it can be customized for your specific needs and start saving you money right away!

Barn World Sales@BarnWorld.com (720) 238-2190

Cattle Oilers Protect your Animals and your Bottomline

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Rob

What is a Cattle Oiler?

A cattle oiler is a device used to apply insecticide, fungicide, or other types of oil-based solutions to the hair and skin of cattle, in order to protect them from external parasites and pests such as flies, ticks, and lice.

The oiler usually consists of a tank that is mounted on a vertical pole or suspended overhead. The tank contains an oil-based solution, which is dispensed through a series of mops, wicks, or rollers that the cattle rub against as they pass by. As the cattle move through the oiler, their coats become coated with the solution, which helps to repel or kill the parasites and pests that can cause both discomfort and disease.

SEE THEM ALL AT BARN WORLD

What are the benefits of using a Cattle Oiler?

Livestock Oilers are an effective way to protect your cattle from pesky and harmful parasites while also improving your bottom line. Here are some of the benefits of using a cattle oiler on your farm or ranch:

Protects your cattle from external parasites:

Cattle oilers are an excellent way to protect your cattle from external parasites, such as ticks, lice, and flies. The oil-based solutions used coat the hair and skin, creating a barrier that repels or kills these pests. This protection not only keeps your cattle healthy and comfortable but can also increase weight gain and preserve milk production as well.

These pests can carry and transmit many diseases that can affect the health of your livestock. Some of the diseases that can be spread by ticks, fleas, and mites include:

Lyme Disease
Anaplasmosis
Mange
Scabies
Salmonellosis
Spotted Fever
Pink Eye

It’s important for ranchers to control animal exposure to these pests and prevent the transmission of any of these diseases to their cattle. Using a cattle oiler with the proper pesticides is a fairly simple and effective step to managing these issues.

Cost-effective:

Investing in a cattle oiler is a cost-effective way to protect your cattle from parasites. Compared to other methods, such as pour-on insecticides or sprays, cattle oilers are less labor-intensive and require less frequent application, saving you time and money in the long run.

Gathering up your herd to run them through a chute to manually apply insecticide is very labor intensive, dangerous to both animal and man, and can cause undue stress which can affect eating habits and overall health. An oiler is an effortless means of making sure your animals are protected.

Easy to use:

Cattle oilers are easy to install and use. They usually hang overhead and as the cattle pass from one area to another, the mops coat their face and backs with the insecticide. There are many different types in use, but a traditional oil-based solution will be dispensed through a mop or wick that comes in contact with the animals and be ‘self-applied’! Your animals will be applying protection to themselves!

Environmentally friendly:

Unlike some other pest control methods, cattle oilers are environmentally friendly. They use oil-based solutions that are safe for the cattle and do not contaminate the soil or water on your farm or ranch.

Low maintenance:

Cattle oilers require minimal maintenance. Simply refill the oil-based solution as needed, and replace the wicks or rollers when they become worn.

Types of Cattle Oilers

Barn World carries many different types of oilers. All are effective and easy to use and a choice of which one to use usually comes down to personal preference.

Brush Cattle Oilers

The brush design takes advantage of the natural desire for livestock rubbing. Most animals will appreciate the itch relief and scratching action of the attached brushes and rub against them as they pass. So much so that the top brush of the oiler dispenses liquid when agitated and the cows rub it in themselves.
To supply the pesticide to the brush, a Poly Tank Cattle Oiler uses a polyethylene tank above the arms of the brush. The bottom of the tank has a hose that delivers the liquid to a nozzle in the brush.
The translucent tank allows a rancher to see the remaining fluid level and can easily tell when it needs to be refilled. The design is also available as a Steel Tank Cattle Oiler if preferred.

Mop Cattle Oilers

Mop Oilers also use a tank with a slightly different design. The tank has holes drilled in the sides so when it’s tipped by a passing cow, it releases a small amount of fluid. The tank is wrapped in felt to prevent any runout and drips gently down to the mop. The mop strings absorb the pesticide and hold it for the next application.

Because it won’t dispense without being tipped, the tank needs to be installed at a height where the back of the cow will tilt the tank as it passes. This keeps the felt and the mop saturated for future applications.

Cattle Oilers are so popular for pest and disease control that they’re even made for smaller animals like goats. The Goat Oiler uses a steel tank mounted above a curved brush for smaller animals to enjoy and protect themselves.

It’s extremely important to protect your livestock from pest-carried diseases that are easily transmitted by fleas, ticks, and mites. A cattle oiler can give your animals the protection they need in a fairly inexpensive and labor-free way.

Get a Cattle Oiler at Barn World today and keep your animals and your bottom line healthy all year long!

Barn World | (720) 238-2190 | Sales@BarnWord.com

The Benefits of using a Creep Feeder

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Rob

Keeping your animals healthy is essential to your bottom line. Providing the right nutrition to young animals is especially critical for their growth and development. One effective way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need is by using a creep feeder.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a creep feeder and how it can help keep your animals growing and healthy.

Click here for a complete lineup of Creep Feeders!

Creep Feeder Benefits

Enhanced Nutrition

A creep feeder allows you to provide supplemental feed to your young animals, giving them the additional nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. This is especially important for animals that are still nursing from their mothers, as it can take a toll on their mother’s health and lead to reduced milk production. By providing a steady source of high-quality feed, you can ensure they are getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy.

Improved Growth Rates

Proper nutrition is a critical factor in ensuring desired growth. A creep feeder can provide a consistent and easily accessible source of feed and extra nutrition to your animals. This can result in improved weight gain and growth rates, which translates to higher productivity and profitability for your farm.

Reduced Stress

Competition for feed can be a significant source of stress for young animals, especially in herds with mixed age groups. A creep feeder allows young animals to access feed without the stress of competing with larger, more dominant animals for food. This can lead to reduced stress and improved well-being for your young animals while ensuring they’re properly fed high-nutrient foods.

Cost Savings

A creep feeder can help you save money over time by reducing the time and effort required to supplement the diet of young animals. It can also help avoid overfeeding or underfeeding, which can lead to health issues and other animals being deprived of food.

A creep feeder is a valuable feed and nutrition management tool that allows for the maximization of productivity and profits. It provides a steady source of high-quality feed to young animals, resulting in improved nutrition, growth rates, and reduced stress. Additionally, it can help minimize the time spend feeding while ensuring your animals get the supplements they need.

If you’re looking for an easy way to ensure your younger animals get the proper nutrition and food they need for healthy weight gains and overall health, consider investing in a creep feeder today.

There are many different sizes and feeders designed for cattle, sheep, and even goats.

Contact Barn World at Sales@BarnWorld.com or call (720) 238-2190 and we’ll be happy to help select the right feeder for your animals!

Cattle Guards

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Rob

A cattle guard, also known as a cattle gap or a cattle grid, is a livestock deterrent installed in the ground. It’s commonly used in rural areas to prevent livestock, such as cattle, from crossing a fence line and wandering off.

It is typically made up of a series of parallel steel bars, usually spaced several inches apart, and set in a vaulted area across the road. The spaced-out bars create a gap that vehicles are able to drive over but are wide enough to prevent the animals from crossing.

The flat hooves of cattle have a very difficult time balancing on the small, rounded surface of the top rails which makes it physically challenging for the cattle to put any weight on their legs.

These common barriers are used to keep livestock from wandering out of pastures and fenced containment areas and becoming lost and entering harm’s way. This includes walking onto busy roads, private property, or other fields where they’ll need to be rounded up and returned.

Comparing to Gates

Cattle guards eliminate the need for gates to be opened and closed, which reduces the risk of animals escaping or getting injured by the gate itself. Gates can also be left open accidentally which can lead to cattle wandering away from their pastures. This is especially critical in areas that require public access for people who are not familiar with the importance of closing a gate.

Gates can be damaged by passing traffic, cattle, weather, or even fail from wear and tear with repeated opening and closing.

Gates can also be difficult to open and close in accumulated snow and sometimes will even freeze shut in icy conditions. Cattle guards, on the other hand, are fixed, do not need to be ‘operated’, and require very little maintenance to remain effective.

Imagine coming home at night to an open gate and a pasture “full” of missing cattle! Locating and rounding them up in the dark can be an unwelcome challenge!

Physical and Visual Barrier

Cattle Gaps even act as a visual barrier for these large animals. The open space and gaps between the top rails make cattle very hesitant to cross. Their eyes have trouble focusing on the top rails while ignoring the deep vaulted area below. This depth perception confusion creates an uncomfortable mental issue for the cow and the confusion is a deterrent all on its own.

The combination of both physical and visual deterrents makes these barriers highly effective without much maintenance and no mechanical operation at all.

These structures are also more durable and lower maintenance when compared to gates. They don’t need adjusting over time and there are no operational issues with the installed structure.

For worry-free livestock containment, a cattle guard can’t be beat! With a gate, you’ll need to stop to open it and then stop again to close it behind you. You also need to worry about others leaving it open allowing your cattle to wander off.

Consider installing a cattle guard on your property by clicking here. Barn World has multiple loading ratings for private driveways, public highways, and heavier-than-roadway-rated cattle guards for every type of use.

Please let us know if you’d like any help in planning your project, would like a quote, or if we can help with anything at all and we’ll be happy to help.

Barn World Sales@BarnWorld.com (720) 238-2190

Grain Bins for Storage

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Rob

The Benefits of On-Site Grain Bins for Storage

Working the land to make a living is very much a game of chance. Farmers and
ranchers are often at the mercy of Mother Nature to provide the necessary elements for profitable success.

While there’s no way to control the weather, there are certain steps farmers and ranchers can take to increase the probability that things will work out in their favor. The installation of grain bins as on-site storage solutions is an important one.

The Many Benefits of Grain Bins

In many ways, grain bins have long been a staple of farm and ranch life. As family farms work to thrive across the nation and commercial farming becomes more the standard, these storage solutions are more essential than ever before.

On-site grain bins provide a convenient alternative to working with local grain elevators and merchandisers whose prices frequently fluctuate according to demand. They also provide essential protection from the elements that farmers and ranchers depend on to keep grain in quality condition year-round.

Drying grain can be a costly and time-consuming process. Those who invest in on-site grain bins will cut down on drying time and open up options when it comes to selling in accordance with market fluctuations.

Versatile Bin Options

Traditionally, grain bins were standardized metal structures with little in the way of size variation. Today, the reality is very different.

Farmers and ranchers now enjoy a versatile lineup of grain bin options that range from durable metal structures in varying sizes to lightweight and bulk poly bins. In the modern world of farming and ranching, it’s common for a combination of grain bin styles and structures to work best for operations large and small.

Noticeable Differences

Metal grain bins are often still the preferred choice amongst consumers when it comes to long-term grain storage. The durability of metal surfacing provides the assurance that these structures will pay for themselves over the long-term. Additionally, the ability to add specialized accessories to metal bins such as stiffeners, ladders, and auger kits make it simple to customize a bin according to the needs of a farm or ranch.

Poly bins tend to be excellent choices for feed storage thanks to their semi-translucent façade which provides farmers and ranchers with a clear view of refill levels. Smooth poly surfaces prevent grain clogging and are far lighter in weight than their metal counterparts.

Farmers and ranchers will find that both metal and poly bins provide an exceptional level of successful storage whether they’re looking to place seeds, grains, or pellets. Having these options available allows for fitting your on-site storage needs to your specific land requirements.

More to Consider

The weather and the market may fluctuate but having grain bins right on-site means farmers and ranchers never have to worry about adjusting their prices to meet the demands of communal storage. It’s also important to consider the fact that access to on-site grain bins means more freedom when it comes to determining a profitable harvest schedule.

When you’re ready to install a collection of grain bins on your farm or ranch, you might even see significant benefits within your tax bracket. In many cases, grain bins can be claimed as an expense against income.

For help planning you storage needs, please take a look at all of our grain bins here and let us know if we can help with anything at all.

Barn World (720) 238-2190

How to select a cattle guard crossing

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Rob

There are many factors to consider when choosing a cattle guard for your crossing. Some of the most important are: The type of traffic using it, the speed of traffic, and of course, the type of animal they’re being installed for.

Please note that cattle guards don’t work with all animals. Animals with small, sure-footed hooves like goats can make it across as can soft-padded feet like cats and dogs. We also don’t recommend they be used with horses as their smaller and slender legs have the potential of sliding between the bars.

Below are a few guidelines for help with selecting the right type of cattle guard for your project.

Cattle Guard Top Rail Types

These livestock barriers are typically made of steel with round or flat top rails. There are also concrete designs for lower-traffic areas as well. Each has its advantages and we’ve listed a few here.

Cattle Guards – Flat Top Rails

cattle guard resting on a concrete foundation

Flat-top rails are ideal for roadways with high-speed traffic. While round-top rails tend to be the most effective at stopping the flow of hoofed traffic, they can also be jarring for vehicles, especially at high speeds.

Flat-top rails make for a more comfortable ride and still offer an effective barrier for containing cattle. In addition, the flat-top rail design is easier for humans to walk over if necessary. Our flat rail cattle guards meet AASHTO standards and are rated for loads ranging from 12-30 tons per axle, depending on the product and needed load-carrying capacity.

Cattle Guards – Round Top Rails

One of the most effective methods of keeping cattle in a designated area such as a pasture, or out of an area such as around a home is the round-top rail. They can be used to keep deer out when mounted side-by-side and the rounded surface prevents livestock from balancing a hoof

We’re pleased to offer options suitable for both private and public roadway use in round rails. The private-use design is the most economical and we estimate its capacity at 12 tons per axle to accommodate fully loaded semis. Public roadways and highways naturally require more robust materials, and our products for this purpose meet applicable standards with schedule 40 steel rated for loads up to 16 tons per axle.

Concrete Cattle Guard Forms

As you may know, cattle guards are an effective deterrent for hoofed animals like cows and deer, but they can be downright dangerous for horses. What if you have both on your property? Concrete cattle guard forms are the perfect solution. They’ll keep cattle
contained, just like steel, but the narrowing gap ensures that horse hooves won’t slide down and get caught between rails, creating a risk of broken legs as the animal struggles.

Concrete cattle guard forms also offer the opportunity to create as many cattle guards as you might need, and because they’re rendered in concrete, they act as their own foundation.

The forms are easy to ship and we offer a reusable design. You may pour as many concrete crossings as you like and set them end-to-end directly on the ground. They are their own foundations!

Cattle Guard Foundations and Wings

While you could set steel cattle guards in a depression or directly on a roadway, there are several disadvantages to doing so. The guards could walk, or shift position from traffic driving over an uneven roadway surface. They may also settle into a trench, or settle unevenly, creating hazardous driving conditions. With proper foundations in place, you can avoid these potentially dangerous installations and prevent settling and moving.

Wings are another smart addition as they help you effectively tie in adjacent fencing. Wings prevent livestock from walking around the fence post where it meets the cattle guard. The steel structure transfers the physical barrier of the fence line to the entire edge of the cattle guard, making the ‘walk around’ impossible.

ATV Cattle Guards

There may be areas of your property where you want to get through fencing without the need for a gate, but you don’t necessarily need a cattle guard large and robust enough to accommodate full-sized vehicles.

Small, portable, and affordable ATV cattle guards are the ideal solution. These diminutive structures require no foundations or digging. Simply cut a hole in your fence line, place the guard on the ground, and tie it into your fencing for quick and easy installation. The raised center design provides an effective deterrent to cattle while allowing your machines to easily cross.

They’ll accommodate Gators, Kubotas, and other ATVs up to six feet wide. Larger sizes are available upon request and feature a re-design for the longer wheelbases on 4-place machines.

Be sure to consider the above when selecting the type of cattle guard for your project and let us know if we can help with your decision.

Barn World | Sales@BarnWorld.com | (720) 238-2190