Upkeeping Your Cattle Handling System

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Twin Rivers Media

By Jaclyn Krymowski

Having a system to effectively move and handle cattle, no matter how basic or complicated, can make a world of difference on any ranch. There are many reasons why a good system is worth your investment in time and money. Not only does it keep your team and animals safe, but it can also make a difference on the stress load, health and productivity of your animals. And, of course, it saves valuable time.

A handling system is like any other piece of specialized equipment – there is no substitute for the real thing. That said, what works best for you could be completely homemade or manufactured. Either way, it does demand attention to detail and forethought.

The How and Why of Handling

No matter the operation style, if you own cattle, at some point in some way, they are going to have to be handled as part of a routine or diagnostic protocol. The safety and ease of this task depend largely on your facilities.

A focus on a system that prioritizes minimal labor and allows for standard safe handling practices are essential basics. If you have one in place, periodically ask yourself if it is still serving its purpose. Is the flooring worn, creating a slipping hazard? Are panels loose or damaged? Do you notice patterns of animals balking or becoming spooked at certain points as they move through? Keeping a mind on these and similar details can help you keep what you have in good shape and avoid serious accidents.

Beyond chutes and alleyways, consider all points in your operation where you handle animals. This includes shipping and receiving points, headgates, various holding pens, scales and designated hospital spaces. If you have limited facilities, consider whether adding dedicated workspaces like these could improve efficiency and animal handling.

“Producers generally agree that some minimal accommodation for corralling, sorting, doctoring and loading cattle for transport is required,” says Troy Smith in his Angus Beef Bulletin article Working Cattle? “Differences in facility size, shape and features relate to the number of cattle routinely handled, various processes performed and labor availability. However, producers often disagree on whether certain kinds of facility ‘equipage’ are necessary, or merely convenient.”

Each operation should find what works best for them, because every setup is going to be different. Depending on the size of the herd, requirements are going to vary as well.

Systems for Handling Cattle

Most handling facilities share a few components in common – a working alley, holding or crowd pen and a chute with a head catch. This may include a series of sorting pens and/or a load-out area.

Layouts and floor plans, however, can vary quite widely and should be customized to fit your setup. The scope of what your system can handle and process should be considered in light of your workload. As a general rule of thumb, a holding pen should be able to hold approximately 40-50 head, which should work for operations with up to 250 cattle.

Most systems come in two general styles – tubs and Bud Boxes.

“Tub style systems have a large circular gathering area, or crowding pen, behind the alley, referred to as ‘the tub,’” write Tara Felix and Alfredo DeCostanzo in the Penn State extension bulletin Beef Cattle Facilities: Handling Systems. “This tub allows the handler to gather cattle in an area that will allow them to circle until they find the alleyway. The working alley in a tub system is often, although not always, also curved to allow cattle to follow that instinct to circle or follow the curve. Cattle follow this natural curve up to the squeeze chute where the handler can then restrain individuals to conduct whatever process is needed.”

A Bud Box system also leverages cattle’s natural instinct to move in a circular pattern but features a simpler design that is easier to build at home compared to a tub system. It consists of a rectangular holding or crowding pen, commonly referred to as “the box,” where cattle are gathered before moving through the handling system.

“The size of the box should be appropriately scaled for the number of cattle,” write Felix and DeCostanzo, “but most are 14 feet by 20 feet (figure 3), the handler will move into the working alley.”

Flooring and footing are critical yet often overlooked aspects of a handling system and facility. Improper footing can lead to safety hazards for both cattle and handlers. While dirt floors are common, they can become muddy or dusty, creating potential issues. Mud can harbor bacteria, while excessive dust will lead to respiratory health. Concrete is another option, but it must be properly textured to ensure adequate traction and prevent slipping.

Care and Management

While they may not be subject to the harsh wear and tear of daily use, handling facilities require solid upkeep to keep them functional and safe. In advance of each handling session, it is a good practice to manually walk through and ensure you are set to go so stress is minimal and movement is smooth. This also gives you a good opportunity to have all the tools you need on hand to avoid rushing and wasting time when you have an animal in the chute. You’ll want to make sure weight scales, taggers, and other equipment are working properly (and even having a backup ready to go) to avoid any roadblocks that day.

Walk in and outside the system, to observe the set up from the perspective of your team and the cattle. Look out for repair opportunities, gaps, obstacles and other safety concerns. Pay extra attention to gates and latches to make sure they’re operating smoothly.

In a similar vein, make sure that your entire team is familiar with the movement and handling process. There are several resources out there from groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for employee training on best handling practices.

While you may not need to handle cattle every day, make sure you have the proper tools and equipment and a prepared team to do so. This can prevent headaches and help the team wrap up one of your busiest days smoothly, easily and efficiently.

Cattle Handling Systems

Posted on March 11, 2025March 31, 2025 by Twin Rivers Media

Cattle Handling Systems

Whether you’re running a handful of cows in a small place or working a big outfit.

We’re all looking for ways to make cattle handling systems more manageable and safer.

The less stress on the cattle and the people working them the better.

Regarding working cattle, the conversation often concerns two central systems: crowding tubs and Bud Boxes.

Each has its place in a well-run operation and what works best for you depends

on your setup handling style and labor situation.

Some folks swear by tubs while others won’t use anything but a Bud Box.

The truth is that both can be effective when used correctly.

Let’s look at what each system offers how they work and their pros and cons.

Crowding Tubs

A crowding tub also known as a sweep tub is a curved or funnel shaped area.

Designed to guide cattle into a smaller space usually an alley or a squeeze chute.

The tub has a sweep gate that gradually pushes cattle forward narrowing their available

space and encouraging them to move in the right direction.

Cattle enter the tub and as the handler moves the sweep gate the animals naturally

move forward seeing only one way out.

The tub’s sides are typically solid preventing cattle from seeing distractions outside

and keeping their focus on the exit.

A roughened concrete floor often provides secure footing and easy cleaning.

The “degree” of the tub refers to how much of a turn it makes to direct cattle.

That plays a significant role in how smoothly they move through the system.

There are a few standard options, and which one works best depends on your

setup and how your cattle handle it.

A 90-degree tub is a pretty standard design, and it is a quarter circle design.

It redirects cattle just enough to get them lined up and moving where they need to go.

It makes a sharp turn which works well in smaller spaces where you

don’t have a lot of room to work with.

A 180-tub makes the cattle turn entirely around doubling them back in the opposite direction.

This setup needs more space but can help with cattle flow if designed correctly.

It’s a curved semi-circle design.

A 270-degree turn is a more gradual way to direct cattle.

The extra turn makes for a smoother transition and can be helpful

when dealing with nervous or high-strung cattle.

It’s also a good option when space is tight, but you still want a natural flow.

Choosing the proper crowding tub setup depends on a few things.

If you’re working in a tight space, you might have to go with a

sharper turn like a 90-degree tub.

If you’ve got the room a 180-degree or 270-degree setup might

keep cattle moving a little easier.

The temperament of your cattle also matters some move better with a gentle

curve while others might need a more direct push.

It all comes down to how your cattle are handled and what works best for your operation.

Pros of Crowding Tubs

One of the most significant advantages of a crowding tub is efficiency.

This system minimizes the need for excessive pressure from handlers making

moving large groups of cattle with fewer people easier.

The design takes advantage of cattle’s natural tendency to move in circles and seek an open path.

This reduces stress and the risk of livestock and handler injury.

A well-built tub system also allows handlers to work outside the enclosure.

Reducing the risk of being in the pen with nervous or unpredictable animals.

A crowding tub can be a real time saver for operations that handle a high cattle volume.

It keeps cattle moving steadily reducing bottlenecks and unnecessary

movement that can lead to stress or injury.

Cons of Crowding Tubs

While crowding tubs are effective, they aren’t foolproof. One of the biggest mistakes

people make is overloading the tub.

Cattle need room to move and if the tub is packed too full, they may balk or even try to jump out.

Keeping the number of cattle in the tub low at any given time will ensure smoother

movement and prevent frustration.

Another drawback is cost. Crowding tubs especially those with high-quality

materials and solid sides can be expensive.

Additionally, they take up more space than a Bud Box and are not as easily

modified or moved once installed.

If a tub isn’t designed correctly cattle can find dead ends or corners

to get stuck in making movement less efficient.

Bud Boxes

Bud Box works on an entirely different principle.

Named after Bud Williams a legendary cattle handler the Bud Box is a simple rectangular pen

that relies on cattle’s instincts to return to where they came from when pressured correctly.

The design places the entrance and exit at a right angle to each other.

The handler must guide cattle into the alley.

The handler positions themselves to encourage forward movement.

Cattle enter the Bud Box and as they move forward the handler closes

the gate behind them effectively forming the “box.”

Using proper positioning the handler encourages the cattle to turn

and enter the alleyway in an orderly fashion.

This method requires understanding cattle behavior but when done right it’s incredibly effective.

Pros of Bud Boxes

One of the most significant advantages of a Bud Box is simplicity.

It’s easy to build requires minimal materials and takes up less space than a crowding tub.

Unlike tubs which can be costly a Bud Box can be constructed from simple panels and

gates making it an excellent option for smaller operations or those working on a budget.

Another significant benefit is flexibility. A Bud Box can be deconstructed

moved or reconfigured to suit changing needs.

This makes it ideal for producers needing a temporary setup or testing

the system before committing to a permanent structure.

The biggest downside to a Bud Box is that it requires proper handling techniques.

Unlike a tub which physically directs cattle toward the exit a Bud Box

depends on the handler’s ability to read and move cattle correctly.

This means it may not work as well for inexperienced handlers or operations.

That frequently rely on different workers who aren’t familiar with the system.

Another potential issue is that a Bud Box does require the handler to be inside with the cattle.

While this isn’t necessarily a problem for those who understand cattle movement.

It does pose a safety concern for those who aren’t comfortable

working in close quarters with unpredictable animals.

Key Construction Considerations

Whether you choose a crowding tub or a Bud Box the right materials

and construction are essential to ensure efficiency and safety.

With crowding tubs solid sides are crucial to keep cattle focused on the exit and prevent distractions.

Some producers who don’t have solid-sided tubs.

Will hang tarps or garden fabric on open panels to create a visual

barrier which can be an effective and affordable solution.

It won’t work the best, but it will block cattle’s vision and keep them from trying to escape.

On the other hand, a Bud Box needs to be the right size.

A typical box is around 12 feet wide and 20 feet long.

But this can vary depending on the number and size of cattle being worked.

Place the gates correctly to allow smooth movement and ensure

handlers have an easy exit if needed.

Both systems benefit from sound footing.

A roughened concrete floor provides traction and easy cleaning reducing

the risk of slips and falls for cattle and handlers.

Consider emergency escape gates in any setup to give handlers a quick

way out if a situation becomes unsafe.

With a crowding tub one of the best advice is not to overload the tub and to be patient.

If you like to pack all the cattle you can in the tub and keep them moving

this might lead to frustrations and congestion.

However, some producers will tell you that the cattle will almost

work themselves if you refrain from packing the tub.

Both crowding tubs and Bud Boxes can be designed to be portable or permanent.

The portable designs are often lighter in construction and can be moved to remote locations.

More permanent designs will be heaver have set posts and are not made to move quickly.

Consider where you need your crowding tubs or Bud Boxes.

Which System is Right for You?

The choice between a crowding tub and a Bud Box comes down

to your operation’s specific needs handling style and budget.

A crowding tub might be the better option if you’re running a

large-scale operation with a lot of cattle and limited labor.

It streamlines movement requires less training for handlers and can process cattle more efficiently.

If you prefer a low-flexible systema Bud Box may be the way to go.

It requires more finesse but can be just as effective when used correctly.

Many producers find that a Bud Box works exceptionally well for smaller groups of cattle.

Especially when working in a low-stress environment.

No system will work well if the handlers don’t know what they’re doing.

Plenty of cattle have been worked without a tub or a Bud Box.

Experienced handlers can make any system work smoothly.

However, the proper setup can make life much easier.

Ensuring cattle flow efficiently and safely through the working facility.

Whether you choose a tub a Bud Box a combination of both.

The key is understanding how cattle move and using that knowledge to your advantage.

With good design and proper handling either system can be a practical addition to your operation.

Whether you run a handful of cows in a small place or work a big outfit.

We all look for ways to make handling cattle more manageable and safer.

Less stress on the cattle and the people improves the situation.

People often discuss two central systems regarding working cattle: crowding tubs and Bud Boxes.

Each method has its place in a well-run operation.

Your setup handling style and labor situation determine what works best for you.

Some folks swear by tubs. Others won’t use anything but a Bud Box.

Both can use the truth effectively when they apply it correctly. Each system offers unique benefits.

hey function in specific ways. Their advantages and disadvantages are notable.

The team is organizing the crowding tubs. They are placing various items into the tubs.

The workers are ensuring the tubs are filled efficiently. Customers are selecting the tubs they want.

The manager is overseeing the entire process.

Everyone is following the safety guidelines while handling the tubs.

The staff is labeling each tub for easy identification.

They are checking the weight limits of the tubs.

Volunteers are assisting in the crowding process.

The company is promoting the use of crowding tubs for better organization.

A crowding tub, also known as sweep tub, guides cattle into a smaller space.

The crowding tub has a curved or funnel shape.

It typically directs cattle into an alley or a squeeze chute.

A sweep gate gradually pushes cattle forward in the tub.

The sweep gate narrows the available space for the cattle.

The setup encourages the cattle to move in the right direction.

The handler moves the sweep gate, and the cattle enter the tub.

The animals naturally move forward seeing only one way out.

The design of the tub typically includes solid sides that prevent cattle from seeing distractions outside.

And help them focus on the exit.

A roughened concrete floor often gives secure footing and allows for easy cleaning.

American Cattlemen 2025

Top 12 Things to Consider Before Building a Cattle Handling Facility

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

By Robert Wells, Ph.D.

Former Noble Research Institute • Senior Regenerative Ranching Advisor

Properly designed and thought-out facilities will be safe for the producer and animal and will allow for cattle to be easily worked in a timely fashion.

The cattle handling facility is at the heart of most every ranch. The quality of the facility and its ease of use can determine the enjoyment or frustration of use and dictate how often you work cattle through it. Properly designed and thought-out facilities will be safe for the producer and animal, handle cattle with ease, require a minimal number of personnel and allow for cattle to be worked in a timely fashion.

There are multiple design principles that can be used, depending on the cattle-handling abilities of the personnel and their ability to understand “cow psychology.”

Here are the top 12 factors you should consider prior to building a new facility.

1. Use Type

Consider the species and type or class of animal for which the working facility will be used. Will it only be used for cattle, or will you need to handle goats and sheep, or horses, in addition to cattle? If it’s only cattle, will it be used only for a stocker operation, or will you need to process cows, bulls and calves through the chute as well? The size of cattle worked will dictate how wide of a raceway you need. Finally, do you plan to rope and drag calves, or process through a chute? Roping and dragging calves will require an area large enough to do so.

2. Bud Box or Solid-Sided, Curved Designs

Both Bud Box and solid-sided, curved designs are effective. In general, the curved, solid-sided-fence facility, in my opinion, allows the cattle handler to make mistakes and recover without adversely affecting cattle flow. If you are in the wrong position yet the animal cannot see you because of the solid side, it may not affect the movement of cattle. A drawback to this style is it is more complicated and costly to build because of the curves and the added expense of the solid-sided fences.

The Bud Box system uses the animal’s instincts to your advantage. It works on the principle that animals will want to return to where they have been if they cannot proceed further. When they turn around and head back in the direction that they came from, the animal is diverted down another alley or raceway leading up to the working chute. The drawbacks to this system are that it is typically not recommended for novice cattle handlers, and if handlers are out of place, they can impede cattle movement.

3. Location

It’s all about the location. The working facility should be central to most pastures and easily accessed, either using lanes or along adjoining fences that help funnel cattle into the facility. Having a corral situated where cattle have to routinely enter and leave on their own will facilitate penning them on working day.

One example is a catch pen situated between pastures that cattle must walk through when rotating from one pasture to the other. It could be a central watering location or where feed and hay are fed to the animals. If you plan to use the facility to hold sick or freshly received animals for a few days, then having shade from trees along the fence might be beneficial.

4. Materials

There are numerous materials that a set of working facilities can be built out of: drill stem pipe, highway guardrails, cable, sucker rod, cattle panels, wood. All have their benefits and drawbacks. In general, metal building materials will probably outlast wood. Cable fences are not well-suited for working and crowding facilities. They flex too much and can allow calves to get through.

Likewise, if you have to quickly climb a fence to get away from an aggressive animal, cable fences will not support your weight well enough to allow you to quickly escape. Make sure any drill stem you purchase is not magnetized, as it makes welding difficult. Also, make sure the drill stem is not radioactive or excessively rusty if it has been used in drilling activity.

Graduated cattle panels have smaller hole sizes on the bottom of the panel, making them difficult to climb when in a hurry. If using sucker rod, consider welding a clip over the rod to the line post. Experience has proven that welding a sucker rod only to a post will result in a broken weld.

5. Utilities

Having access to electricity and water is beneficial but not necessary. If you plan to use an electric branding iron, access to land-line electricity will eliminate the need for a costly and loud generator.

If you have electricity available, you can have a small room located next to the chute to store medicine and vaccines in a refrigerator. Additionally, you can have hot water to help clean up the equipment after use.

6. Cover and Shade

It is beneficial to have cover over the working chute in case you have to work the cattle in extremely hot or inclement weather. Additionally, you may decide to have a portion of the pens covered in case you need to hold a quarantined or sick animal in the facility for a length of time.

7. Slope

The working facility should have a small degree of slope to allow drainage during and after rainfall events. The slope should not be so great that erosion or channeling will occur after the grass has been trampled down.

Additionally, consider the degree and direction of the slope when planning where you will back up a trailer to the pens. Backing across a slope when muddy may result in the trailer sliding sideways. Trying to pull up a muddy slope when loaded may be difficult, too.

8. Calf Chute, Palpation Cage, Gates

Buy a chute that is large enough to handle your largest animal, including your bull. It may be necessary to restrain the bull to treat a foot or to conduct a breeding soundness exam. Remember, bulls are longer and thicker than a cow. Many of the economy-type chutes are not designed to hold a bull. Also plan for a palpation cage at the end of the chute to allow a safe access area for a veterinarian so he or she doesn’t have to worry about getting run over by the next cow in line. The cage will also be handy if you have to treat a hind foot

Design the facility with options. It is much easier to work 2- to 3-month old calves in a calf chute than in a large, cow-sized chute. Do not skimp on gates! Make sure they are heavy and well-built. Plan on gates between adjacent pens and from the alleys. Having gates between pens allows you to open up adjacent pens to create one large pen when needed. Use headers across the top of the gate to ensure it stays in line and does not sag, so it opens and closes as it should. Make the headers high enough that you can drive equipment or ride horseback under them.

9. Access to Roads

You should plan to have all-weather road access to the working facility to enable you to load and unload cattle even in rainy conditions. However, placing a set of corrals right off a county road could enable cattle thieves to bait your cows into the pens and easily and quickly load out and steal animals, so keep that in mind.

10. Size

The size of the facility will be determined by the activities needed and how long you plan to hold cattle there. If you are just using the pens as a holding area while working the cattle, each cow-calf pair will require a minimum of 35 to 45 square feet. The larger the calf while on the cow, the more room that will be required.

11. Number of Pens

One of the biggest design mistakes we see is a facility without enough holding pens. It is always good to plan to have at least one more pen than you think you need. At the minimum, three pens are needed. You will need one large pen to hold the cattle when they are first caught, and then preferably two more to sort calves and cows into. This will also allow you to have an open pen to catch the animals after they have been worked so that they do not get mixed with unprocessed cattle. Designing an alleyway alongside the pens that leads to the chute allows you to sort animals out of the alley and into the pens. Additionally, the alley can be used to hold cattle temporarily.

12. Other Considerations

Build with flexibility in mind:

• Design the facility so that expansion will not require a major overhaul.

• Make the design modular so more pens can be added alongside existing alleys.

• Make the raceway leading to the chute adjustable to enable it to be wide enough for cows, but can be adjusted down so that a calf cannot turn around in it.

• Do not design the facility so that
the chute turns out into the pasture. If you miss a head catch on an animal, you cannot easily recycle it back around.

• Set all posts at least 3 feet down into concrete.

• If concrete is used under the chute, extend it at least 6 to 8 feet past the front of the chute. Make sure the concrete is heavily grooved to provide traction even when covered with mud and manure.

• Reduce shadows that go across alleys by running alleys east and west if possible. Cattle do not have depth perception and may view a shadow as a hole or trench, causing them to balk.

Visit, Plan, Visualize

As you design your handling facility, go see as many other working facilities as possible in person. Talk with the people who use them, and ask what they like and what they would change. Draw your design out on paper, and then lay it out on the ground to scale. Use marking paint and survey flags to help you visualize the layout before building. Then walk through the layout as you would when working cattle. It is far easier to make adjustments in the planning stage than after everything is built.