Cattle plough

Types of Cattle Ploughs

A cattle plough is an agricultural tool used for tilling or turning over the soil with the help of oxen. It has been used for centuries in farming practices and is still relevant in some parts of the world where modern machinery is not accessible. Cattle ploughs allow farmers to prepare their land for planting crops by removing weeds and incorporating nutrients deep into the soil. The use of oxen as a power source for these ploughs makes them useful in areas where fuel-powered equipment cannot be used or where environmental sustainability is a priority.

There are different types of cattle ploughs, such as:

• Stone Burier

  An important soil working instrument used in minimal tillage horticulture and farming is the stone burer. This particular type of plough is carefully constructed to excavate and bury stones in the soil, allowing for the creation of a bedrock free of obstacles. The primary goal of stone burier is to remove stones that are too large to be dragged or buried beneath the soil, rather than overturning the soil layers like conventional ploughs. The plough is composed of a series of aligned plates, a lifting mechanism, and a unique soil inversion mechanism.

• Seed Plough

  A seed plough is an agricultural tool designed to simplify the process of sowing seeds by ploughing and planting them in a single operation. The conception of seed ploughs had a significant impact on farming practices by reducing labor efforts, increasing efficiency, and enhancing the precision of seed application. Animal-drawn seed ploughs came into widespread use prior to the introduction of mechanical seed drills and tractors, which eventually replaced them.

• Stump Puller Plough

  The stump puller plough is a distinctive type of plough that was developed for use in forests and farmland where tree stumps pose a significant challenge to land development and agricultural practices. The design and function of the stump puller plough are different from conventional ploughs, as it is specifically aimed at eliminating tree stumps from the ground rather than turning over the soil.

• Moldboard Plough

  The moldboard plough is widely regarded as one of the most frequently employed ploughs in the field of agriculture. The principle and various types of moldboard ploughs were developed over time, and they have a diverse range of applications in different agricultural circumstances. The basic structure of the moldboard plough comprises a ploughshare and a moldboard. The ploughshare is the flat blade that cuts through the soil, while the curved board (moldboard) is responsible for turning the newly cut soil in the opposite direction. The unique design of the moldboard enables it to turn the soil effectively and create furrows, making it an ideal tool for activities such as tilling, land preparation, and trench excavation.

Specifications & maintenance of cattle ploughs

Normally, the specifications of cattle ploughs correspond to the types described above, which are designed to meet various draught animals' needs and a wide range of soil conditions.

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that animal-draught ploughs work effectively, have a long lifespan, and provide value for money. It also ensures that the draught animals do not suffer any strain whilst ploughing, and the working efficiency is the highest. However, the maintenance of these ploughs does not require any special expertise or complex arrangements.

Some general maintenance tips for cattle ploughs are listed below:

• Cleaning:

  It is important to clean the plough on both sides after it has been used. Remove all dirt, soil, and crop residue. This prevents any buildup or clogging and ensures that the tool stays in good condition. It also stops any potential disease transfer.

• Inspection:

  Regular inspection for signs of wear, damage, or looseness is essential. Repairs need to be made immediately, or replacement parts will have to be added. So, the plough can function properly and deliver optimal results. The inspection also means that it will stay in good condition for an extended period.

• Tighten fasteners:

  As part of the regular maintenance routine, it is important to inspect and tighten bolts, nuts, and other fasteners frequently. This should be done to preserve the integrity and stability of the equipment. The plough operates under high-stress levels and needs to be stable and secure all the time to avoid accidents or inefficiencies.

• Lubrication:

  Enhanced efficiency, smooth operation, reduced friction, and prolonged component lifespan are all benefits of routine lubrication. It is highly recommended to bring down draught animal fatigue and boost plough productivity.

Applications of cattle ploughs

Cattle ploughs are primarily used in farming practices. However, they have limited applications in the livestock industry. They are used to manage pastures for cattle and maintain farm fields to grow vegetation for cattle to graze or feed on. This reduces their dependence on external sources for grazing land. Because it takes a lot of time and effort to produce vegetation on a field through this method, many farmers use it to reduce their costs.

It is possible to use a cattle plough to plow fields of the following crops, which are mainly grown for the purpose of feeding cattle:

• Wheat is known to have strong roots, and its growth is spread over winter and summer, which makes it suitable for cattle fields.
• Oats are a nutritious grain that cattle can easily digest and is mostly grown in colder regions, which is usually where cattle farms are located.
• Barley has a high resistance to drought and its growth requires a dry, warm climate, which makes it an ideal crop for grazing cattle.
• Rye requires alkaline and well-drained soils to thrive, and it grows rye fields are generally used as grazing lands for cattle.
• Maize grows in warmer climates and takes a lot of space. It is mostly used as cattle feed. Thus, it is common for farmers to grow maize on cattle farms.
• Green hay is one of the most common cattle feed. Farmers often grow this on their farms to have a steady supply of it.

Due to the easy management and maintenance of farm fields with a cattle plough, other crops such as potatoes, carrots, squash, and cucumbers, which are usually grown on farms, can also be cultivated. Bigger farms have machinery such as a tractor and a cattle plough attached to it to help reduce labor costs and easily manage their farmland.

Apart from the farming industry in which cattle ploughs are mainly used, other industries that benefit from the use of a cattle plough include:

• The agriculture industry uses cattle ploughs to prepare farmland, break soil, and cultivate various crops. Many farm cultivation methods are very extensive and do not require excessive precision.
• The horticulture industry cultivates small plants and flowers, which require tedious efforts for the cultivation process. Cattle ploughs are used to prepare the main soil and fields that require very little precision whenever large-scale horticultural businesses use them.
• The landscape industry uses cattle ploughs to help prepare land for parks and natural reserves that require minimal intervention when these landscapes are prepared. Cattle ploughs help maintain natural and open landscapes to protect the wildlife and flora in this area.

How to Choose Cattle Ploughs

Cattle power ploughs are now used as the standard for low-cost farming. Some of the factors that business buyers should consider when buying cattle ploughs are as follows:

• Soil Types and Conditions:

  Business buyers should select the ploughs for the types of soil and conditions. They must consider the soil depth and compaction levels. Using a cattle plough designed for deep and tightly packed soil on looser and shallow soil can damage the plough and provide poor productivity.

• Land Size and Layout:

  Cattle ploughs are better suited for smaller and irregular-shaped lands. Considering the size of the farmland, big, straight, and open fields would need a larger Cattle Power Drought Plough for efficiency.

• Machinery Compatibility:

  It is essential to ensure that the ploughs selected will work well with the cattle power used. The transportation and hitch systems must be compatible.

Cattle plough Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between a cattle plough and a tractor plough?

A1: The main difference between a cattle plough and a tractor plough is the power source. A tractor plough uses a tractor as the primary driving force. Ploughs designed for cattle use a yoke or harness that connects the plough to the ploughed farm, where cattle pull the plough across the field.

Q2: Can cattle pull a two-bottom plough?

A2: Yes, as long as the size and weight are within safe and manageable limits for the cattle to pull.

Q3: What types of cattle are used for ploughing?

A3: Usually, large and strong breeds are preferred for cattle ploughing. For example, Brahman, Hereford, Angus, Jersey, and Holstein.

Q4: How long does it take for cattle to learn to plough?

A4: Cattle can learn to plough within a few days or weeks, depending on their previous handling experience, age, and temperament.

Q5: Can one person operate a cattle plough?

A5: Yes, a single person can operate a cattle plough, but usually, two or more people are needed to complete the task safely and effectively.