The production of good livestock requires a reliable structure for delivering feed to the animals. If you are looking to upgrade your feeding facilities, you should think about investing in a slipform feed bunk. This type of trough is built using concrete which is a highly resilient material. This means that the structure will be able to withstand the stress of daily use by the livestock. Moreover, the slipforming technique is favourable because it promotes speed, design flexibility and reduced labour demands. Here are crucial guidelines to keep in mind during feed bunk construction.
Select the Material
It is important to choose the right concrete mix for the feed bunk. The material should be able to withstand constant exposure to the feed which you will use. Also, it should not be vulnerable to cracking due to contact with animals. Besides, it should be safe for use by livestock. You should think about the construction method too before choosing the material. In general, when using the slipforming process, it is advisable to choose low slump concrete. This material has high volumes of cement and low moisture. This increases the intrinsic strength and allows for smooth extrusion from a slipform machine.
Think About Sizing
You should determine the right size for your feed bunk. This aspect will be influenced by the size of your agricultural business. You must take into account the number of animals which must be fed using the trough. Additionally, consider any plans for expanding the operation. It is prudent to consult your concrete contractor for advice before making a decision on the sizing. Ideally, you will need to calculate the volume of feed that will need to be placed in the bunk at once by evaluating the amount consumed by each animal. Then, your contractor will advise you on the perfect dimensions. You should also discuss the profile of the trough in addition to capacity. Opt for well-researched profiles.
Consider the Design
Finally, the feed bunk design should match the planned usage. It is advisable to sketch out the structure of the trough before the construction process begins. Moreover, you should discuss your concerns with the concrete contractor during the design phase. One of the critical issues that you should address is the need for a barrier along the trough. If you would like this feature, you can have posts placed into the slipformed concrete before the material cures instead of building a barrier separately. You will also need to build a sloped trough for ease of cleaning.
Contact a local slipform concrete contractor to learn more.
Share22 February 2021
Hello! I am so pleased you have found my blog. Welcome. My name is Randi. I have been an artist since I figured out how to hold a crayon. Over the years, I have found many creative ways to integrate my passion for art into my life, and that includes the concrete outside my house. I love to come up with innovative and beautiful designs for concrete walkways, patios, stepping stones and other outside elements. I also love exploring the potential of precast concrete planters, retaining walls and other cool creations. If you need concrete inspiration, you have come to the right place. Please explore and enjoy reading!
