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.
