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The smaller capacities also allows larger blocks to be split into smaller areas, for improved pasture management and to reduce congestion.
Well-known for its K-Line irrigation pods, RX Plastics has taken inspiration from that design and carried over some key learnings into the K-Trough Series.
Offered in 75 and 150-litre capacities, individual K-Troughs are ideally suited to service mobs of up to 25 cattle or 150 sheep. The company notes that the smaller capacitiesobviously well suited to lifestyle situations- also allows larger blocks to be split into smaller areas, for improved pasture management and to reduce congestion.
RX Plastics also points out that the smaller troughs offer the benefit of more frequent replenishment of fresh, cool water, which encourages animals to drink more, resulting in increased growth rates, alongside meat and milk production. Interestingly, husbandry experts suggest that ideally replenishment rates for fresh water should be up to three times per day. Featuring a wider, thicker base to encourage location, strength and durability, the upper edge is rolled inwards for rigidity, resistance to inquisitive cattle rubbing, alongside the benefit of reducing the volume of water to direct sunlight, so keeping it cooler.
The Philmac- EasyPHIL float valve and the water supply elbow are fully recessed into the body of the trough for general protection, with a convenient inspection window on the upper face of the trough that also serves as a drain aperture for cleaning.
From an operational point, smaller troughs also allow the creation of multiple access points compared to a large volume, single troughs, which are often subject to erosion or pugging, so needing regular maintenance.
Smaller troughs also help discourage algal blooms and bacterial growth.
During development, durability testing was undertaken with multiple species and breeds, confirming that the inwardly rolled upper edge performed better than conventional designs that typically saw upper edges rolled outwards to impart rigidity, but creating a purchase/rubbing point, from where cattle could destabilise the trough.
Indeed, clever design details and the durability they impart, have been reinforced by the findings of a horse owner -animals known to be hard on water troughs-who had one belligerent animal that could destroy a new water trough in around three weeks. A switch to a K-Trough has resulted in no damage of 18 months of use.
www.rxp.co.nz
Most people familiar with RX Plastics’ K-Line have seen it revolutionise irrigation, particularly in the South Island. Its simple, robust design lends itself to easy set-up and movement by quad or truck.
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