An animal's weight is one of the most reliable indicators of how well a farm's management is working. Without regular weighing, most decisions about feeding, treatment or sale rely on visual estimates, which quickly become unreliable in larger herds. Below we explain why weighing makes sense and how a modern weighing system is put together.
Why weigh at all
Weighing is not just a number for record-keeping, it is a tool for everyday decisions on the farm. Regular measurements let you track whether an animal is developing as expected and catch deviations early.
The most common reasons to weigh animals are:
- monitoring and determining the optimal weight for each category of animal,
- controlling the efficiency of fattening,
- optimizing feeding based on actual body mass,
- preparing animals for processing or sale,
- accurate dosing of medication based on body weight,
- early detection of health problems that show up as weight loss or stalled growth.
What a weighing system consists of
A basic weighing system consists of an indicator (display unit) and two or four load bars, connected to the indicator by cables. The load bars register the applied weight and pass it to the indicator, which converts the measured value into a weight shown on the screen. The same load bars can be fitted under a platform, a handling crate, or another weighing container, and the indicator automatically adapts to whatever is connected.
For power, most indicators rely on a built-in rechargeable battery, and can additionally be connected to a 12-volt battery or a suitable mains supply. This means the scale can be used even where there is no permanent electrical installation.
Accuracy even with restless animals
A common problem when weighing livestock is that the reading keeps changing because the animal will not stand still. Modern stabilization software calculates a stable and accurate weight within seconds, even while the animal is moving on the platform. The displayed value is continuously updated, which makes the measurement more reliable.
The quality of the load cells matters just as much as the electronics. The load bars are sealed for use in all weather conditions, and their capacity is deliberately oversized so they easily withstand the load of larger animals. Robust housings protect against moisture, slurry and corrosion, extending the equipment's service life in a demanding barn environment.
Ease of daily use matters as much as precision. A clear keypad with large, intuitive buttons and an easy-to-read display allow you to check the weight quickly even in poor barn lighting. This matters most when you are weighing a large number of animals in a single day and cannot afford slow, manual data entry.
Installation and choosing equipment by animal type
The scale itself can be set up and made ready for use in a relatively short time, but it needs a stable, level base, ideally a concrete slab. Depending on which animals you weigh, you fit the load bars with the appropriate platform, handling crate or other weighing container:
- an aluminium weighing platform for cattle, with a non-slip surface and raised, sloped sides that prevent animals from slipping off,
- weighing crates or sorting pens for sheep,
- weighing platforms or crates for pigs and calves,
- a purpose-built mobile scale for sheep and young calves, which wheels and handles make easy to move around the barn.
The load-bearing capacity of the load bars is also important when choosing equipment, since it varies between models depending on the intended maximum load. For smaller farms just introducing regular weighing, a compact set consisting of one indicator and one set of load bars is often the most practical starting point, and it can always be expanded with additional elements as needs grow.
Tracking data and animal identification
More advanced indicators can also store data for each individual animal, such as ear tag numbers, measured weight and additional information, and calculate weight gain over time. Some models include an interface for connecting electronic animal identification readers, which simplifies record-keeping in larger herds.
Data can be transferred to a computer via USB, a mobile app, or dedicated software, where it can be edited and analyzed further. This is particularly useful when planning fattening programs or tracking health status over a longer period.
PATURA is a leading European manufacturer of livestock weighing and handling equipment, and Kancler Sistem Pro is its Slovenian partner, helping you choose a system matched to your herd size and available infrastructure.
Need advice?
Before you decide on a scale, tell us how you currently catch and move your animals so the new equipment fits the way you work.