About The Pump
Frostfree Nosepumps have been on the market since 2002. The device will easily accommodate up to 100 head per pump (50 pair or 100 head). Multiple units per well, will accommodate larger herds for livestock watering.
How the Frostfree Nosepump Works: A Frost-Free Livestock Waterer
The Frostfree Nosepump is a mechanical livestock watering system developed in Alberta, Canada, for cattle, horses and bison. This frost-free cattle nose pump allows animals to access drinking water by operating a nose lever, making it a potential solution for farms, ranches and remote pastures.
How Does a Cattle Nose Pump Work?
The Frostfree Nosepump uses a mechanical piston pump installed inside a properly constructed wet well. When an animal pushes the nose-operated lever, the mechanism activates the piston, drawing water from the source into a small drinking trough. The animal can then drink directly from the trough and operate the lever again when it needs more water.
This self-operated livestock watering system can be useful for farms and ranches where conventional water supplies or electrical infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to maintain.
How Does the Frostfree Nosepump Prevent Water From Freezing?
The system uses geothermal heat from the ground, together with appropriate insulation and a drain-back arrangement, to help protect the water supply from freezing. Correct installation is essential, including suitable wet-well depth, insulation, plumbing and frost protection.
Performance during cold weather depends on site conditions and installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Confirm the specific installation requirements with Frostfree Nosepumps before choosing a system.
Benefits of a Non-Electric Livestock Watering System
Because animals operate the pump mechanically, the Frostfree Nosepump does not require electricity to pump water. This can make it an option for beef cattle operations, remote pastures and certain dugout or pond watering applications, provided the water source and site meet the system’s requirements.
Potential benefits include reduced dependence on electrical infrastructure, less reliance on conventional heated watering equipment, and opportunities to manage livestock access to natural water sources differently.
Is the Frostfree Nosepump Suitable for Your Farm?
Choosing a suitable livestock nose pump requires evaluating the property’s water source, static water level, elevation lift, herd size, expected water demand and site conditions. Wet-well design, plumbing, frost protection and installation requirements should also be confirmed before purchasing.
Discuss your farm’s conditions with Frostfree Nosepumps to determine whether the system is appropriate for your livestock operation.
Contact Frostfree Nosepumps to discuss water-source requirements, installation considerations and suitable system configurations.
The construction and operation of the nosepump is simple and mechanical. It functions completely off grid and requires no power other than the energy expelled by the animal to operate the pump, and no heat aside from the geothermal heat realized from the ground.
The design of this livestock waterer includes a small, enclosed trough with a lever apparatus that is pushed by the animal’s nose. This is set on top of a culvert, set vertically into the ground to whatever depth is required to make use of the ground water or dugout level. An installation depth of at least 20′ with a minimum 24″ diameter culvert is required in order to capture sufficient geothermal heat in the prairie provinces of Canada. Adjustments in depth can be made for warmer climates.
The nose-powered lever apparatus operates a piston pump which is suspended in the well – much like the old hand pumps. With provision for frost protection (outlined here), the pumps work trouble free. Prevention of contamination of the water source is a major focus of this system. The design of the pump will prevent backwash, and the details of the system including a cement pad will prevent ground water contamination.
The installation of a unit such as this is fairly simple and, with the exception of drilling the well or trenching from a dugout or pond, can be done by the farmer/rancher in most cases. The total cost of the complete system varies with the required depth (depending on the water source) and the rates charged by the contractor. Total installation includes a pump or pumps, drilling or trenching to access your water source, culvert, lid, insulation for cribbing sleeves, supply pipe & connecting rod, and insulated platform.
The Frostfree Nosepump can be applied to almost all situations. In all cases, the objective is to install your wet well over the source or install a horizontal supply line from your source for it to supply your wet well (below the frost zone). Click here to view the various applications illustration.
This low cost, low maintenance, year-round watering facility can provide access to areas that previously were not considered for livestock watering because of the cost or unavailability of an energy source. It can facilitate winter feeding in non-traditional areas, swath grazing, and accessing remote pastures.
FAQ
How does a Frostfree Nosepump work?
Livestock push a nose-operated lever that activates a mechanical piston pump, bringing water from the source into a small drinking trough.
Does the Frostfree Nosepump need electricity?
No. The pump is mechanically operated by livestock and does not require an electrical power supply to pump water.
Can the Frostfree Nosepump be used in winter?
It is designed for year-round use. Reliable winter operation depends on following the manufacturer’s requirements for wet-well construction, insulation, frost protection and installation.
How many cattle can one Frostfree Nosepump water?
The manufacturer states that one pump can serve up to 100 head, or 50 cow-calf pairs, under suitable conditions. Actual capacity depends on water-source depth, livestock access and site conditions.
Can the Frostfree Nosepump draw water from a dugout or pond?
Yes, certain installations can use a dugout or pond. The correct wet-well and supply-line arrangement depends on the site and must meet the manufacturer’s installation requirements.