Cattle, Cattle Handling
Safety, efficiency, and stress-free handling. These are the words often spoken to define successfully built cattle yards. The well-being and welfare of both the cattle and the handlers is a non-negotiable requirement when it comes to building new cattle yards. So what happens when these two necessities are not considered in the planning and installation of new cattle yards?
“The risk for both the cattle and farmer will only increase,” says New Zealand and Australian Sales Manager for Te Pari, Josh Garton.
“In today’s environment, it is critical that we build cattle yards with both the cattle and the handler at the forefront of our mind. The amount of stress imposed upon an animal during handling is greatly affected by its previous experiences. Cattle which have been handled gently and have a positive experience when in the yards will also be quieter and less agitated,” says Josh.
We all know the do’s when it comes to building the perfect set of cattle yards for your operation. But what about the don’ts? Here are ten of the biggest mistakes people often make when it comes to building cattle yards.
1. Choosing the wrong site
It all starts with where you plan to build your yards. Do not choose a site that has sudden changes in ground level. A cow’s ability to perceive ground level while moving with their heads up is poor and can lead to sudden baulking. Poor drainage within the yards will only leave you with sodden ground and pugging, increasing the risk of slipping for both yourself and your cattle. Incorporating a concrete textured finish in high traffic areas will reduce the risk of slipping as well as provide a safer and cleaner working environment. At Te Pari, we take the time to discuss with each of our farmers the best location for their operation.
2. Avoid using timber in your yards
Over time, timber yards will rot and are at risk of being infected with termites or prone to damage by bushfires. All Te Pari yards are built using hot-dipped galvanised steel to prevent rusting and increase the longevity of your yards. We are also able to provide shielding on our panels to remove all distractions for cattle as they move through the yards.
3. Building pens too small for the size of your operation
When planning your yards, it is essential you take into consideration the size of your cattle operation. Don’t skip corners and save money by building a set of cattle yards that are too small for the number of cattle you run. Cattle do not like to be overcrowded and will become agitated in spaces that are too tight. Our team of Te Pari stockyard designers will ensure your yards reflect the size of your cattle operation giving you the ability to make calculated herd management decisions each and every time they are in the yards.
4. Corners in the forcing yard
Corners and cattle never mix. When a handler enters the animal’s flight zone it will move straight into a corner where they can huddle together. Corners will only increase your risk of being injured by having to enter the forcing yard to encourage your cattle out of the yard and into the race. Eliminate the need to step inside a forcing pen ever again with the Te Pari circular forcing pen and 3.2m revolving gate. Together, our pen and gate combination reduces the size of the pen safely as cattle enter the race.
5. Building a straight race
The race is a high-pressure area in which you should never enter. Straight races will halt the flow of traffic through the yards and end in overexertion for yourself as you attempt to get agitated cattle through the race. A curved race encourages natural cattle behaviour by giving cattle the impression that they are returning to a set point, improving the flow within your yards.
6. Not incorporating a ‘cattle-free’ area
Safety for yourself and your employees is paramount. Not including a ‘cattle-free’ area within your yards doubles your risk of being injured and will drag out the time you spend in your yards. ‘Cattle free’ areas provide you and your employees with a safe and secure area to work and store supplies. This enables you to make better on-site herd management assessments and decisions.
7. Narrow walkways
Having a walkway that is too narrow is a safety hazard leading to trips and slips whilst you attempt to move cattle through the yards. All Te Pari walkways are built at a minimum width of one metre to enable more than one handler to use the walkway at one time when needed. Our walkways are also designed to give the operator better access to stock in the race. This means where cattle are being processed in the cattle crush, another operator can drench stock waiting in the race to further reduce the handling time in the yards.
8. Narrow gateways
Gateways that are too narrow will impede cattle flow through the cattle yards. You also run the risk of cattle injuring themselves should too many attempt to run through the gate at one time. Ensure your gates have wide openings with chains long enough to latch through the panels when open to prevent the gate from inadvertently closing. Gates situated at regular points within your yards will also prevent cattle from progressing too far ahead.
9. Poorly constructed steel panels and components
Cattle are more sensitive to high-pitch noises than people. The sound of banging metal can lead to baulking, agitation, and unnecessary stress on the cattle. This can be caused by loose panels being pinned together poorly resulting in an ongoing rattling effect throughout the yards. All Te Pari panels are fitted using a clamping method to reduce the shakiness of loose panels and give the pens extra strength. Additionally, our gates are fitted with nylon sleeved slam latches which are quieter to open and close, as well as the incorporation of compact strike plates with rounded edges to prevent stock damage and bruising.
10. Steep loading ramps
A loading ramp that is rough, slippery and steep will cause your cattle to struggle entering and exiting the truck. In addition, if there is little room for a level platform at the top of the ramp, cattle can lose their footing as they transfer from the ramp to the truck. Poor alignment between the ramp and the truck can also be hazardous. Our range of loading ramps incorporates wide steps and a slope of 20% giving cattle a flat footing and reducing the likelihood of slipping.
Regardless of whether you run 10 head of cattle or 10,000, a well-designed and functional set of cattle yards is essential for safe and efficient livestock management.
“Cutting corners to save money will get you nowhere,” says Te Pari Sales Manager Josh Garton.
“We are trying to achieve safety for both the handler and cattle and investing in a good set of yards is imperative to help get the job done so that both man and animal walk away safe and happy,” continued Josh.
“We have the experience to help you build your cattle yards from start to finish so that they last you your lifetime, the next, and for many more after that.”
