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December 5, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Raising Quality Beef To Receive the Greatest Return on Your Investment

If you are looking to raise cattle that can provide high-quality beef for your customers, we have some tips (and livestock equipment) that can give you food for thought. For the best return on your investment, you want your cows to be healthy and happy so they can produce the tastiest beef and milk possible. Here are some tips to help your cows thrive:

1-Quality nutrition: To avoid malnutrition, make sure your soil and feed provide the minerals and proteins your herd needs. Adding salt mixes via mouth or injection can make up for a deficiency. Separating the heifers from the older cows, particularly in the winter can help provide much-needed extra nutrients for your growing heifers.

2-Vaccine protection: A regular vaccine schedule helps prevent diseases while also lessening the need for antibiotics that could be passed on to the meat.

-Pasture feeding: Giving your cows access to pastures for silage and hay helps them produce the most natural and best-tasting beef.

-Legume hay: This hay that is grown for your herd and then cut is essential for their best health. Grown correctly, this hay comes with an ample supply of protein for your cows, having higher concentrations of protein than regular grass hay. Alfalfa is great legume hay and while it is pricier than feeding your cows strictly on pastures, it’s well worth it if you are wanting to supply the best beef for your customers.

NOTE: When it comes to hay, avoid feeding your beef cattle alfalfa that is dairy quality. Its richness is more than your beef cattle require and is one of the costlier options for hay.

At D-S Livestock Equipment located in Frostburg, Maryland, we are pleased to be one of the only providers of hot-dipped galvanized livestock equipment. What does this mean for you? There is no paint and no rust, while also being priced affordably. This means you will be purchasing high-quality equipment, cost-effectively. Whether your cattle operation is in the U.S. or across the world, we can help. Check out our products or call 800-949-9997 for assistance. We also offer financing to help you get the equipment you need now rather than later!
November 3, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Getting Your Goats, Sheep and Cattle Ready for the Colder Winter Weather

If you are new to livestock handling equipment, you will want to know about the basic essentials that will help you make your livestock operation run smoothly and efficiently. Our team here at D-S Livestock Equipment, is ready to give you a run-down of the basic equipment you will need to be successful and protect your livestock investment.

Livestock Feeder

Sheep, goats and cattle need to be fed well and consistently so they can thrive, especially in the colder winter months. While there are a variety of feeders available on the market, bale feeders, hay baskets, troughs, etc., we can recommend a combination feeder, so you can feed your animals both hay and grain with just one item of equipment. And whether you are dealing with rain or snow, our feeders help protect your animals from the harsh elements.

-Handling Systems: There are various handling systems ranging from basic to complex, so choosing the right one for your needs is important. Our equipment has parts that can let you sort, deworm, inspect or tag your animal without harming them (or you).

-Livestock Weighing Equipment: Weighing helps you monitor your animal’s health so you can calculate the correct medication dosage, and food rations, as well as monitor their weight gains.

-Livestock Work Tables: A work table and station options can make your job easier when you need to handle, flip or keep your animal motionless.

Winter Protection Tips

There are a few other items that can help protect your animals. If you have newborn calves dealing with winter weather, you can look for specially designed hats to keep their ears warm, while goats and lambs can be warmed with a fleece or sweater on the chilliest nights. Extra bedding can help insulate your animals from the freezing ground. And of course, this time of year extra food can raise their body temperatures.

Whatever your needs may be, our DF-Livestock team in Frostburg, MD, has the equipment to help you keep your animals safe and your business function more smoothly. We invite you to give us a call at [phone] if you have any questions! We are here to support your operation!
October 4, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

We Make Livestock Handling Purchases Easy and Convenient With Our Financing Option!

At D-S Livestock Handling Equipment located in Frostburg, MD, we supply livestock operations with a selection of equipment options you may need when working with goats, sheep or cattle.

For Goats and Sheep we offer the following equipment:

–Feeders
–Kidding
–Loading Hauling
–Open Bar Panels Doors
–Solid Panels Doors
–Handling Systems
–Handling Systems Components
–Show Equipment
–Weighing
–Work Tables Stations

For Cattle operations we offer these items:

–Chutes
–Headgates
–Handling Systems
–Handling System Components
–Panels, Doors
–Crowding Tubs
–Calf Table

Our experienced team strives to provide the highest quality materials for our customers at affordable prices no matter where you are located,  in the U. S., Canada, Japan, Africa and Costa Rica, for starters. We work hard to help you get your equipment in a timely manner no matter where your operation is based.

Need Financing?

We are also pleased to offer financing for our customers through QuickSpark Financial so you can get your livestock handling equipment as quickly and conveniently as possible.  Our financing is offered via an online application so you can quickly learn whether you qualify for financing for your equipment needs. The best thing about our financing is that it only takes 30 seconds, the time it takes to fill out your credit application! If you are approved, you will be able to use your equipment for 90 days before making your first payment. This allows you to buy now and pay later.

Benefits of Financing With QuickSpark Financial

-You can generate revenue while you make payments
-You will have low monthly payments
-Your loan is 100% tax-deductible
-You can be free from the normal bank restrictions from traditional lending
-You can keep your lines of credit open
-You will receive financial reporting

Want to apply for financial assistance? Fill out your financing application.

For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, & VISA. We also accept purchase orders, checks and cash. If you have any questions about our products or financing options, we welcome you to call our friendly team at 800-949-9997.
September 2, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

If You Are Starting Your Own Cattle Operation, We Offer Top-Quality Equipment for Your Needs!

If you are beginning a cattle operation, you will want to learn how to safely do so. These large creatures can be dangerous if they aren’t handled properly. Here are some tips to help.

Choosing Your Cattle Breed

If you are a beginner at raising cattle, you will need to determine which breed will be best for your operation. Here is a brief description of some of the most common cattle.

Holstein: These rather large cows come in around 1,500 pounds when mature. Commonly used as dairy cows, they potentially produce over 17,000 pounds of milk and more than 600 pounds of butterfat each year.

Jersey: These big-eyed beauties produce milk high in butterfat while weighing in around 1,000 pounds. While small compared to their Holstein counterparts, they are happy grazers that thrive even in the heat.

Guernsey: Coming in at about 1,200 pounds when mature, this breed supplies you with high-butterfat milk even though they tend to consume less feed than some of their bigger cousins.

Handling Tips

-Don’t try to handle agitated cattle, if possible, wait for about half an hour for them to calm down. They can be safely handled when they feel calm and secure.

-Your cattle’s eyes are on the sides of their head so they cannot see behind them. Don’t spook them by approaching them suddenly or yelling at them, as they just might accidentally swing around and trample what’s in their path.

-Maintain cattle-friendly facilities that will keep your cattle safely locked up with gates and pins closed, and we can help with that!

Water for Hydration

Whatever breed you end up choosing, make sure they get the amount of water they need to continue eating enough, staying hydrated and maintaining optimal body function. The amount depends on their production cycle and age. In the summer, cows and bulls can require up to 20 gallons of water a day while a lactating cow easily consumes more. Cattle grazing on lush grass requires less water, while cattle munching on dry feed (or hay) will need more. It is recommended that your cattle have access to a constant source of clean water.

If you are in the market for cattle handling equipment, chances are we have it! Feel free to check out our catalog. Give us a call at 800-949-9997 or email us with your questions!
August 2, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Acquiring the Right Livestock Handling Equipment for Your Cattle Operation Is Vital for Success!

Are you raising beef cattle to produce meat or to breed? Raising purebred cattle or as commercial stock, dividing your cattle breeds into maternal (moderately sized cows) or terminal (sires that are bigger) and used to produce meat means getting the right equipment to help you succeed whatever the scope of your goals.

Equipment Needs

Running your livestock operation means you’ll need the right equipment to help maintain your animals profitably. Basic equipment includes feeders, water tubs (or watering systems), health care equipment and cattle handling equipment for safety. Here is a rundown of what you might need:

Access to feeders: Feeders keep your cattle from eating off the ground to both deter parasite infections and from wasting feed that can fall onto the ground. Feeders can accommodate hay and grain or just hay or just grain. The size of the feeder may depend on whether your cattle have free-choice access to their feeders all during the day. Feeders can also just be simple troughs that contain your cattle’s supplemental protein, energy, or minerals for grazing.

Access to water: Water is a vital nutrient for your cows as it directly affects their feed consumption. If your animals only have access to poor-quality water (or insufficient amounts of water) this can lower their feed intake and decrease their performance. Whether you are using buckets, troughs or automatic watering systems the main consideration is to ensure their water is fresh, clean, and available whenever they need it.

Health maintenance: Preventing disease involves tagging, vaccinating, dehorning, castrating and deworming so having the proper equipment to perform these is important.

Handling equipment: This equipment allows you to more effectively handle your cattle day-to-day. Whether you are gathering your animals into a group pen, herding them into a chute to hold them for routine health care or sorting or using gates to contain your cattle while producers perform their tasks.

If you are looking for equipment for your cattle operation, you have come to the right place! Our D-S Livestock Handling Equipment sales team in Frostburg, Maryland, has helped many producers such as yourself and is ready to help you get the tools you need to succeed! Just call 800-949-9997 or go online to view our Products.

Source Article
July 5, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Summertime Livestock Management Tips To Keep Your Sheep, Goats and Cattle Healthier and Happier

For those in the northern hemisphere, the summer’s heat is in full force. If you have a livestock operation or farm, you’ll want to keep dehydration, heat stress and heatstroke away from your sheep, goats and cattle. Your animals might also appreciate the following tips to help them stay cooler and healthier during this sweltering season.

Keeping Livestock Cool

-Offer your animals a shady place to relax where they can get relief from the sultry summer days while they graze.

-If the animals are indoors, you can help them keep cool by running a fan. Fans serve a dual purpose, they also help keep insects like mosquitoes and flies from pestering your sheep, goats and cattle.

-Make sure your animals have access to clean water. Not only does this help them stay well hydrated but keeps algae and bacterial growth from contaminating their water source.

-Spray your animals down with a hose if you notice they are dehydrated to stave off heatstroke.

-Shearing your sheep can help them stay cool and less stressed so they don’t become agitated.

-Providing access to shallow, temporary pools can help your animals cool down.

-Access to salt blocks can make sure your livestock can replenish their electrolyte balance during the hot days (and nights) outdoors.

-Lower your animal’s stress levels when the days are hot. Make sure you have the hauling and transport equipment you need to quickly and easily take care of vaccinations, castrations, hoof care, breeding or weaning as smoothly as possible.

-Keep insects at bay by applying bug spray, proving correct manure management and leaving no standing water around.

No matter what the season, whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, we can help your livestock operation run smoothly. We welcome you to call our D-S Livestock Handling Equipment team in Frostburg, MD at [phone] to learn more!
June 8, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Starting a Sheep Operation? We Have Livestock Equipment To Help You Get Set Up!

Are you new to managing a sheep operation? If you are unsure of what equipment you might need to acquire, we welcome you to browse our website and catalog.

Sheep’s Diet

The basics begin with providing your flock with the balanced diet their bodies need. And if your sheep live on a diet of dry hay and grain they will need to have access to more water in their diet. Tip: Sheep thrive on grains and forbs (like weeds but covered with alfalfa and clover). Grass and shrubs are useful too.

Water Supply

All animals need water to survive and thrive. Your sheep will need access to fresh, clean water, preferably water that is still (versus flowing). You can use buckets or other types of automatic waterers. You’ll also need to rinse out their water container regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Water should be kept in the shade during the hotter summer months. Your sheep’s water supply should be fenced off from nearby streams and other natural water sources to help control what they are ingesting. How much water does your sheep need? This depends on the following factors:

  • The animal’s weight
  • The ewe is lactating
  • What they are being bred/raised for
  • Their environmental conditions

If your sheep don’t appear to be drinking, it may be that they are fulfilling their water requirement through their foraging activities. Even so, it’s a good idea to give your animals access to clean, fresh water at all times if possible.

Sleep Shelter

Your adult sheep typically do well under various kinds of weather conditions, but it is wise to provide them with an area they can take shelter in, as well as dry out if needed and as a safe haven from harsh winds or sun conditions. Your sheep will more likely thrive under healthy conditions, such as making sure their bedding is soft to better absorb moisture.

Be sure to give your sheep the routine care they need, including regularly vaccinating your sheep herd and making sure their cloven hooves are properly trimmed for comfort when moving around. If you are currently looking for the right equipment to keep your operation running smoothly, we welcome you to browse our D-S Livestock Equipment. We supply everything from feeders to handling systems to show equipment. Call [phone] today if you have any questions.
May 4, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

4 Basic Essentials of Livestock Handling Equipment To Help Your Goat Operation Thrive

Have you started running a goat operation? If so, you’ll need dependable, quality livestock gear to help your animals and your business thrive. Our D-S Livestock equipment company has been helping goat farmers and livestock producers raise goats for many years now. There are some basic, essential equipment items you should have if you are new to a livestock operation. Our experienced team offers options for running a successful goat operation.

1 – Quality Feeders

Keeping goats healthy means feeding them quality food with easy-to-access equipment. Perusing the market you’ll typically come across bale feeders, hay baskets and troughs to supply the basics. Our livestock team recommends using a combination feeder that allows you to provide your goats with both the hay and grain they need in just one piece of equipment. Depending on the weather in your location, keeping rain and moisture out of your goats feed may also be a factor. We have feeders that provide protection from the elements wherever your feeders are located.

2 – Handling Systems

The choice of handling systems ranges from basic to complex, and choosing the right one for your operation can make the day-to-day tasks run more efficiently. Our handling systems offer components that make sorting, deworming, inspecting and tagging your goats simple, easy and safe (for your handlers and goats alike).

3 – Weighing Equipment

Regularly weighing your goats supports your business by helping you track the health of each individual goat. Knowing the weight of each goat allows you to more accurately calculate the dosage of any medication they need, keep food rations balanced and be able to track weight gain to make adjustments as needed.

4 – Work Tables

Having a work table is vital for your goat operation. Without it handling, flipping and keeping your goat standing still can be a challenge. Our D-S livestock business offers work tables and station options to help you keep your goats and your workers safe. Work tables keep your goat upright and secure so it can be safely flipped with minimal hassle.

We welcome you to browse our website or order a catalog so you can see the livestock equipment you might need in one handy place. Your animal’s safety and your operation thriving is our goal! We invite you to give us a call today at [phone] and get the equipment you need!
April 11, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Our Livestock Handling Equipment Can Boost Your Cattle Herd Operation

Successful cow and calf operations make the most of farm resources to boost herd profitability and farm productivity. If you have less than fifty head of cattle, focusing on herd processes that not only improve time but also resource management can make all the difference. What can your operation do to improve herd sustainability?

1-Keep your cattle healthy: Using the right livestock equipment and lessening the handling and environmental stresses on your cattle helps protect their health and profitability.

2-Keep accurate records: Tracking the performance of the cattle in the herd can help you take better care of them. Noting the calf’s place of origin, date of birth, and health care records (vaccinations, deworming, etc.) is ideal.

3-Controlled calving season: Defining a calving season can save you resources, time and labor if you are a small cattle operation. Making sure the cow herd calves in 90 days or less helps with foraging for optimal nutrition, implementing a targeted feeding program, promoting health maintenance and record-keeping as well.

By implementing crossbreeding, you can boost production traits like growth, fertility, and longevity by breeding genetically different animals of separate breeds. Implementing growth-promoting implants (small pellets with slow-release hormones) that increase muscle growth for steer calves and heifers to be sold to the feedlot can also make a difference. Feeder cattle not intended for breeding should be castrated before the age of 3 months or as close to that as possible. And finally, it is vital to properly restrain calves before dehorning them.

If you are looking for livestock handling equipment, our D-S Livestock Equipment in Frostburg, MD, has you covered! You can call us with your questions at 800-949-9997. Also, Check out our Livestock Handling Products.

Article Source:
Beef Herd Management Strategies
March 18, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Spring Is Here and There Is Lots To Do if You Have a Sheep, Goat or Cattle Operation and We Can Help!

Welcome to D-S Livestock Equipment online! Our experienced team has been helping customers acquire livestock handling equipment for cattle, sheep, and goats for many years now. Our high-quality equipment is hot-dipped and galvanized so it will not rust nor ever require painting for protection. We have more than 30 years of experience in this industry, providing livestock equipment and with the knowledge you need to answer your questions and concerns and ultimately ensure that you get the best products for the price.

Spring is here and there are lots of things that need to be done this time of year if you have sheep, goats or cattle. Our team is excited to ship your livestock equipment anywhere in the world, whether you are located in the United States, Canada, Japan, Costa Rica, Africa, etc. Do you need feeders? Show equipment? Open bar or solid panels and doors? Loading and hauling equipment? If so, D-S Livestock Equipment has you covered! Our team is always ready to send out the products you need with a quick turnaround to help your operation continue to run smoothly.

Our team is also committed to providing you with the high-quality products and services you deserve at competitive prices. Since we maintain a large inventory at our Frostburg, Maryland facility, we can ship your equipment out immediately so you can get what you need as quickly as possible. We welcome you to reach out to our team today to learn more about our high-quality products. You can even request a free livestock equipment catalog as well as place your order. We look forward to helping you soon!

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