Feeding Troughs & Livestock Feeding Equipment for Reliable Daily Feeding

Finding the right feeding troughs makes daily livestock care cleaner, easier and more efficient. Our carefully selected range of livestock feeding equipment includes practical solutions for horses, cattle, sheep, calves and other farm animals, with options suited to individual feeding, groups, yards, stables and paddocks. Shop durable troughs alongside water troughs, feed buckets and specialist feeding equipment, chosen for dependable everyday use. Whether replacing worn equipment or setting up a new feeding area, you can select a solution suited to your livestock, feeding system and available space.

Choosing the Right Feeding Troughs

The best trough is not simply the largest available. Consider what you are feeding, the number and type of animals using it, where it will be positioned and how easily it can be cleaned. Correct selection can help reduce wasted feed, discourage contamination and make routine husbandry more efficient.

• Choose sufficient feeding space for the number of animals. In group settings, inadequate access can increase competition and may prevent lower-ranking animals from feeding comfortably.
• Match the design to your stock. Trough height, depth and access should allow animals to eat naturally without making it unnecessarily easy to stand in, tip or foul the feeder.
• Consider the feed type. Dry concentrates, forage, milk and water have different requirements. Youngstock being reared on milk will usually require purpose-designed milk feeders rather than a general-purpose trough.
• Think about positioning. Stable and pen equipment may benefit from secure mounting, while field systems need stability and materials capable of coping with outdoor conditions.
• Keep feeding and drinking functions distinct where appropriate. Browse our water troughs when you need a dedicated livestock hydration solution.

Technical Specifications and Care

When comparing livestock feeders, check the external dimensions, usable capacity, construction material, mounting method and suitability for the intended species. Robust plastics are popular because they are relatively lightweight, resistant to corrosion and straightforward to wash, while heavier or securely mounted designs can be useful where larger livestock may move equipment.

Capacity should also be considered alongside physical dimensions. Two similarly sized troughs may provide different usable volumes, while a long trough can offer more feeding positions without necessarily holding substantially more feed. For group-fed animals, accessible trough length can therefore be just as important as litre capacity.

Remove stale feed regularly and wash feeding surfaces before residues become ingrained. Pay particular attention to corners, seams and areas around fixings where damp feed can accumulate. Position outdoor equipment on firm, well-drained ground where practical to reduce mud, contamination and poaching around frequently used feeding points.

Pro tip: inspect trough edges, mounting points and fixings as part of your normal feeding routine. Replacing damaged equipment early helps prevent sharp edges developing and reduces the chance of a loose feeder being tipped, dragged or contaminated.

For related equipment, explore our livestock feeding equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What size feeding trough do I need?

Choose according to animal size, group numbers, feed type and available feeding space. For groups, prioritise sufficient accessible trough length so animals can feed comfortably without excessive competition.

Can feeding troughs be used for water?

Only use a trough for drinking water when the manufacturer specifies that it is suitable. Purpose-designed water troughs are generally the better choice for reliable livestock hydration and easier water management.

How often should livestock feeding troughs be cleaned?

Remove old or contaminated feed daily and clean troughs whenever residue, moisture or dirt accumulates. Milk-feeding equipment requires particularly careful hygiene because milk residues can support rapid bacterial growth.