The Antimicrobial Benefits of Copper Troughs for Livestock

The Benefits of Copper Troughs for Livestock

Copper troughs, sometimes called copper stock tanks or copper water troughs, have become a popular choice for providing drinking water to livestock on farms. Using copper offers unique advantages over traditional materials like concrete or galvanized steel.

Preventing Algae Growth

One of the biggest problems with water troughs is algae growth. As sunlight hits the water, it enables algae spores already present to germinate and spread. Algae clogs filters and pipes, taints the taste of water, and thick algal mats can even block animals' access to drinking water.

Copper releases trace amounts of ions into the water that prevent algae from thriving. The copper ions attack the algae cell walls and protein structures, stunting growth. This helps keep your livestock's water clean and fresh.

Limiting Bacteria

In addition to inhibiting algae, copper also limits bacteria growth. Livestock water often gets contaminated by manure, mud, or feed debris. Bacteria feed on these organics and multiply rapidly. This includes dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Legionella.

Like with algae, the copper ions interfere with bacteria cell proteins and enzymes. This makes it much harder for the microbes to function and reproduce. Copper troughs thus reduce illnesses in cattle, horses, and other farm animals from contaminated water.

Resisting Corrosion

Another downside of galvanized steel and concrete tanks is they corrode over time. The minerals in water react with the metal or concrete surface, causing pits, rust, and dissolved materials. This not only destabilizes the structure but also adds toxins to the water as well as providing more surface area for algae to cling to.

Copper holds up very well against corrosion, retaining its smooth surface for decades. That means cleaner water for longer durations before needing to scrub or replace troughs. The lack of corrosion also maintains structural integrity and prevents leaks.

Choosing the Right Copper Trough

If you're ready to invest in a copper trough system, you'll first want to determine the proper capacity. The general rule is 20-30 gallons of water storage per head of cattle. So for 50 cows, you would want a 1,000 to 1,500 gallon tank. Consider if the trough will be the primary water source or just supplemental and the expected consumption rates.

Round vs Rectangular Designs

Copper troughs come in round stock tank type designs or rectangular ones. Round tanks are usually preformed while rectangular ones get custom built on site. Round copper troughs thus come in set capacities while rectangular ones allow for more flexibility.

Round copper stock tanks feature pre-installed drain plugs and take up less space. But rectangular ones allow accessing water from multiple angles and may better suit the footprint. Rectangular troughs can also be expanded lengthwise over time if herd size increases.

Drainage and Filters

Proper drainage prevents water stagnation which reduces algae and suits hot climates. Most copper troughs feature a drain hole at lowest point to empty water. Some utilize a siphon overflow drain that self empties down to a set level.

Filters remove debris that accumulates at the water surface. Floating inlet filters allow drawing cleaner water from below. Sediment filters drain out muck at the bottom. And cup filters catch particles arriving through pipe inlets.

Cleaning excess debris out regularly allows your copper trough to maximize bacterial and algal suppression.

Piping and Pump Integration

Hard piping copper water troughs with water lines allows keeping them routinely filled versus manual refills. This ensures a reliable supply is available at all times for livestock.

Most municipal or well water pressures sufficiently fill troughs directly. Though adding a booster pump increases flow rates for quick fills and keeps volume steady despite fluctuating supply pressures.

Modular FLOAT valve systems automatically power pumps on and off based on water level. This keeps the tanks full without risk of overflowing or burning up pumps.

Maintaining Your Copper Trough

While copper itself resists corrosion and mineral buildup, additional cleaning helps maximize effectiveness and longevity. Here are some copper trough maintenance tips:

Remove Organic Debris

Manure, mud, leftover feed, and dead insects should get cleared out regularly before they decompose. This eliminates a major nutrient source for bacterial and algae growth. Thorough scrubbing also detaches mature organisms.

Dump & Scrub Interior

Every few months, empty the trough completely using the drain plug. Use a long brush and soap to manually scrub down interior surfaces. This removes any clinging bacteria or algae missed by filtering and ion suppression.

Clean Filters

Inline sediment filters, inlet filters, and surface filters should get cleaned per manufacturer guidelines. Typically backflushing with water or emptying trapped sediment will suffice. Replace filters that get damaged or excessively clogged.

Verify Water Level

Check that AUTOMATED filling mechanisms like FLOAT valves continue maintaining full volumes. Periodically confirm pumps still engage and disengage properly without electrical issues. Repair any plumbing leaks immediately.

With occasional maintenance combined with copper's antimicrobial properties, your trough will stay in great shape for years on end.

FAQs

How does copper prevent algae growth?

Copper releases trace amounts of ions into the water that interfere with algae's ability to photosynthesize and reproduce. The ions attack the cell walls and proteins, stunting algae growth.

Why is copper better than galvanized steel or concrete?

Unlike galvanized steel and concrete, copper does not corrode from water minerals and livestock waste. This maintains water quality and tank integrity for decades rather than needing frequent replacements.

What capacity copper trough do I need?

Standard sizing is 20-30 gallons of storage per head of cattle. So for a 50 cow herd, install a 1,000 - 1,500 gallon copper trough for optimal supply.

How often should I clean the copper trough?

Completely drain and scrub down a copper trough every few months. Also clean any filters, remove debris, and check automated filling mechanisms regularly to maximize effectiveness.