How to Compare Cattle Scales

Cattle performance such as average daily gain is easily determined with accurate cattle scales.

Scales are useful tools for cattle producers. Producers check cattle performance by determining weaning, yearling and market weight, and by calculating average daily gain. An accurate animal weight leads to accurate medicine dosage for sick cattle. Cattle producers weigh animals for an exact weight at the time of sale. A variety of types of cattle scales allows cattle producers to compare and select the most useful size and model of cattle scale for their needs. Cattle scales are just one component of cattle-handling facilities on the farm or ranch.

Instructions

1. Purchase "legal for trade" scales if the scales are used for selling cattle directly from the ranch. Scales used for cattle sales are tested semiannually by weights and measures officials or by scale testing agencies to be certain the weights are true. If cattle are weighed only for performance or health data, "legal for trade" scales are not necessary.

2. Buy single animal scales if the goal is to weigh single calves, cows or bulls. Single animal scales are designed to weigh one animal at a time and usually have an upper range of 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. Single animal scales are often portable and may have a cage to hold the animal.

3. Purchase group scales if multiple cattle are weighed at one time. Group scales may have a cage or stock racks to contain the cattle. Group scales are often installed permanently near cattle corrals or chutes.

4. Investigate the desired ease of use. Mechanical and hydraulic scales are simple and require no electrical power source, but hydraulic scales require more frequent calibration. Electronic scales are easy and fast to use but require batteries or a power supply, frequent calibration and protection from bad weather.

5. Carefully evaluate the purchase of a combination squeeze chute and scales. Scales as part of a chute may suffer from manure buildup and wear-and-tear on the chute and scale parts. The device may not last as long as a separate set of scales and a chute.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Scales a Valuable Tool for Every Cattle Producer
• Cattle Handling Facilities: Planning, Components, and Layouts
• Corral and Working Facilities for Beef Cattle

Resources

• USDA: Instructions for Testing Livestock and Animal Scales