By Jessica Graham
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 handling cattle 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, and 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 makes a sharp turn, which works well in smaller spaces where you don’t have a lot of room to work with. It redirects cattle just enough to get them lined up and moving where they need to go.
A 180-degree 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. Y
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
A 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 entrance and exit are placed at a right angle to each other, requiring the handler to guide cattle into the alley by positioning themselves in a way that encourages 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.
A well-handled Bud Box can move cattle more calmly than a crowding tub. Because it relies on cattle’s natural instincts rather than physical barriers pushing them forward, many handlers find that cattle move through with less resistance and stress.
Cons of Bud Boxes
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. Gates must be placed correctly to allow smooth movement, and handlers should 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. Additionally, emergency escape gates should be considered in any setup, giving 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-cost, flexible system and are confident handling it, a 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, and experienced handlers can make any system work smoothly. However, the proper setup can make life much easier and ensure cattle flow efficiently and safely through the working facility.
Whether you choose a tub, a Bud Box, or 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.