Which drinking bowl do I need?
A reliable drinking water supply is important for every animal. The most suitable drinking bowl depends on factors such as the animal species, the number of animals, the available water pressure, the installation location and whether it will be used in a stable or pasture. This guide helps you determine step by step which drinking bowl is right for your situation.
What should you consider when choosing a drinking bowl?
Do not only look at the capacity or dimensions of a drinking bowl. Water requirements, refill rate and accessibility are just as important. A drinking bowl that is too small or refills too slowly may not provide sufficient capacity when several animals want to drink shortly after one another.
Check the following before ordering:
- which animal species and age group the drinking bowl is suitable for;
- how many animals will use the drinking bowl;
- how many animals need to be able to drink at the same time;
- whether the drinking bowl will be installed in a stable, paddock or pasture;
- which water pressure is available at the location;
- how quickly the drinking bowl refills;
- whether frost protection is required;
- how the drinking bowl will be installed and connected;
- whether spare parts and accessories are available.
Which drinking bowl suits your animals?
Every animal species drinks differently and has different requirements regarding the height, shape, strength and capacity of the drinking bowl. Always choose a model that is specifically suitable for the animals for which you intend to use it.
Drinking bowl for cattle
Cattle need a spacious and easily accessible drinking area. For larger groups, pay particular attention to a high refill rate, sufficient drinking space and secure installation. The bowl and pipes must be protected against pushing, kicking and impact.
View drinking bowls for cattleDrinking bowl for horses and ponies
Both automatic stable drinkers and larger water troughs for paddocks and pastures are available for horses and ponies. Choose a safely finished model without sharp edges and install the drinking bowl at a suitable height.
View drinking bowls for horsesDrinking bowl for sheep and goats
For sheep and goats, an easily accessible drinking bowl at a suitable drinking height is important. Position the bowl so that the animals can drink easily without stepping into it or unnecessarily contaminating the water.
View drinking bowls for sheep and goatsDrinking bowl for different animal groups
Will different animal species use the same water supply? Check whether the height, operation, capacity and shape are suitable for all animals. In many situations, a separate drinking point for each animal group is more practical.
How much capacity does the drinking bowl need?
The required capacity depends on the number of animals, species, age, feed, temperature and production level. The time at which animals drink also matters. If several animals want to drink shortly after one another, the bowl must refill quickly enough.
Assess the following three factors:
1. Drinking bowl capacity
The capacity determines how much water is immediately available. A larger water reserve can be useful for groups of animals, but it also requires more space and regular maintenance.
2. Refill rate
The refill rate determines how quickly the water used by the animals is replenished. Check the product specifications and take the actual water pressure at the location into account.
3. Number of drinking positions
In group housing, dominant animals should not be able to block access. Multiple drinking positions can improve accessibility and reduce unrest within the group.
| Situation | Possible solution | Important to check |
|---|---|---|
| Individual animal in a stable | Compact automatic drinking bowl | Drinking height, operation and refill rate |
| Small group of animals | Larger float-valve drinking bowl or multiple bowls | Number of accessible drinking positions |
| Large group of cattle | Fast-flow drinker or long group trough | Flow rate, pipe capacity and cleaning |
| Animals in the pasture | Pasture trough with float valve or pasture pump | Water source, terrain and accessibility |
| Use during freezing conditions | Frost-free or heated drinking solution | Power supply, insulation and installation |
This table provides general guidance. If in doubt, determine the required capacity based on the animal group, pipework, water pressure and practical situation.
Do you need a drinking bowl for high or low water pressure?
Check which water pressure is available at the location before purchasing. A high-pressure drinking bowl cannot automatically be used with a low-pressure system, and vice versa.
Drinking bowl for high pressure
A high-pressure drinking bowl is usually connected directly to a standard mains water supply. The valve or float is designed for the pressure of this supply.
Suitable when:
- a fixed water supply is available;
- the available pressure matches the product;
- the pipe can supply sufficient water;
- the drinking bowl will be connected permanently.
Drinking bowl for low pressure
A low-pressure drinking bowl is often used in combination with an elevated storage tank or water tank. The water flows to the drinking bowl by gravity.
Suitable when:
- no standard mains water supply is available;
- water is supplied from a storage tank;
- the installation has sufficient height difference;
- the valve is suitable for low pressure.
Float-valve drinker, push-valve drinker or open water trough?
Drinking bowls can be filled or operated in different ways. The best choice depends on the animal species, the number of animals and the location in which the bowl will be used.
Float-valve drinking bowl
A float valve automatically maintains the water level. When the water level drops, the inlet opens. This type is suitable when animals need to drink from an open water surface.
Push-valve drinking bowl
With a push-valve drinking bowl, the animal operates a rod, paddle or pressure valve itself. As a result, there is generally less standing water in the bowl. Check whether the operating mechanism is suitable for the animal species and age.
Open water trough
A larger open water trough provides a generous water reserve and can be suitable for groups of animals in a paddock or pasture. The trough must be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Ball drinker
With a ball drinker, the animal pushes a ball down to access the water. The enclosed design helps reduce heat loss and contamination. Animals may first need to learn how the drinking system works.
Should you choose a drinking bowl for the stable or pasture?
Drinking bowl for stable use
A fixed automatic drinking bowl is usually used in a stable. The bowl can be mounted to a wall, post or partition.
Consider:
- a suitable installation height;
- protection against impact and kicking;
- protection of water and electrical lines;
- sufficient space around the drinking area;
- an accessible shut-off valve for maintenance.
Drinking bowl for pasture use
In the pasture, a drinking bowl can be connected to a mains water supply, storage tank or pasture pump. Choose a stable surface and prevent the surrounding area from becoming muddy or difficult to access.
Consider:
- the available water source;
- sufficient capacity and refill rate;
- a firm and level surface;
- an easy way to empty and clean the bowl;
- protection of the pipes and float valve.
How can you prevent a drinking bowl from freezing?
Water pipes and drinking bowls can freeze at low temperatures. The most suitable solution depends on the location, climate, available power supply and the chosen drinking system.
Possible solutions include:
- an insulated ball drinker;
- a drinking bowl with a built-in heating element;
- a suitable heating cable around the water pipe;
- a circulation system that keeps the water moving;
- insulation and protection of above-ground pipes;
- a frost-free valve or water supply construction.
Plastic or enamelled metal?
The material affects factors such as weight, strength, cleaning and the location in which the drinking bowl can be used.
Plastic drinking bowl
- relatively lightweight;
- easy to clean;
- does not rust;
- available in many shapes and capacities;
- check resistance to impact and UV exposure.
Enamelled drinking bowl
- strong and dimensionally stable construction;
- smooth surface that is easy to clean;
- suitable for intensive use;
- often heavier than a plastic version;
- check the surface regularly for damage.
How do you install a drinking bowl safely?
Correct installation helps prevent damage, leakage and unnecessary contamination. Always follow the installation instructions supplied with the specific product.
General points to consider
-
Determine the correct height
Match the drinking height to the animal species, age and size. Animals should be able to drink naturally without having to adopt an uncomfortable posture. -
Choose a quiet and accessible location
Position the drinking bowl where animals have sufficient space and do not unnecessarily obstruct one another. Where possible, avoid installing it directly next to feed, so that feed and water are less likely to become contaminated. -
Use a solid surface
Secure wall-mounted models to a sufficiently strong wall or post. Place larger troughs on a level, load-bearing surface. -
Protect the bowl and pipes
Use a protective guard where necessary. Position water pipes, shut-off valves, cables and heating components so that animals cannot damage or chew them. -
Allow access for maintenance
Make sure the shut-off valve, drain, float and valve remain accessible. This makes it easier to inspect, empty and clean the drinking bowl. -
Test the installation
After installation, check for leaks, test the operation of the valve or float and verify the actual refill rate.
How do you maintain a drinking bowl?
Inspect drinking bowls regularly. Dirt, feed residue and deposits can reduce water quality or interfere with the operation of the valve and float.
Check regularly:
- whether the water is clean and free from feed residue;
- whether the bowl drains easily and can be cleaned properly;
- whether the valve or float operates smoothly;
- whether there are leaks around connections or pipes;
- whether fixings and protective guards are still secure;
- whether cables and pipes show any signs of damage;
- whether parts show signs of wear or frost damage.
Before carrying out maintenance, first shut off the water supply and, if present, the power supply. Use replacement parts that are suitable for the relevant brand and model.
Which drinking bowl is right for your situation?
Compare drinking bowls by animal species, capacity, water pressure, material and frost resistance. Unsure about the required refill rate or connection? Contact us for personal advice.