A Guide to Cattle Yard Design to Improve the Natural Flow of Cattle
It is really difficult to get things done, especially when it is associated with animals as it becomes frustrating and time-consuming to guide them to move around the designated path. If you are in the process of designing or redesigning your cattle yard, there are a few things you need to understand beforehand to avoid all the mess. The core idea of building cattle handling equipment or cattle yard designs is to efficiently manage the animals and reduce the stress on them throughout the process. Cattle yard designs are simple once you understand how the animals perceive their environment.
Understanding Cattle Behaviors
The behavior of the cattle affects the yard flow. Knowing the natural behavior of the animal and designing the cattle yard layout accordingly will help you handle animals quietly and calmly. Here are some factors to consider:
· Vision – Cattle have a wide panoramic vision. Cattle can see 360 degrees because their eyes are located on the side of the head but they have poor depth perception.
· Cattles like to be with herds and follow them. Keeping them moving without indulging in a race should be taken care of.
· Ensure the entrance is not too dark or looks like a dead-end as this can frighten them.
· Livestock have sensitive hearing and they are stressed by excessive noise. Cattle in a noisy atmosphere may show more bruising compared to cattle in a quieter pen wedding.
· Cattle don’t prefer looking at direct sunlight or bright light and are dichromatic which makes the animal more sensitive to seeing sudden movement.
Tips to Design Cattle Yard to Natural Flow of Cattle
1. Location & Site
Instead of going for a cattle corral design in the spare land on your farm, try having one at a location that can be accessed easily with all-weather roads and are away from any hazards. Choose a location that has easy availability of water and shade for livestock.
2. Circular Pens
Cattle and sheep are herd animals and they will follow the leader, particularly around a curve. The most efficient cattle working pen designs are constructed with curves and diagonals. The cattle can always see an opening as they walk down a curved race but they cannot see people or other activities.
3. Cattle Race
Although cattle like to be in the herd and follow their leader, if they see a herd beside them in a pen that is very close to them, they will hesitate in moving forward. Cattle catch pen design should help reduce distractions and improve the cattle flow.
4. Loading Ramp
In addition to managing the livestock, loading and unloading should also be taken care of. For a smooth flow of loading, try having a loading ramp that is not slippery, noisy, or too dark. This will lead to cattle backing up and disrupting the flow of loading.
5. Organized flow
Being pushed through the yard can create stress among the cattle and make them hesitant to look forward. The organized flow of cattle will help in better management whereas evidence of prolonged confinement may be reflected in the quality of cattle.
6. Natural Materials
Cattle handling equipment should complement the natural flow and behavior of the cattle. Try having the overall atmosphere of the place as natural as possible by incorporating natural materials into the design. Make the place comfortable for cattle to let them reciprocate.
7. Lighting
Cattle do not like to be exposed to direct sunlight or a sudden bright place. Make the lighting comfortable for the cattle but also ensure the entrance of your race is not too dark or appears to be a dead-end with no place to go.
8. Unloading Ramps
Since the unloading ramp is used to unload only, it should be wide and straight. This enables the cattle to see a clear path of escape. Curves are needed when cattle are being persuaded to enter something such as a truck or a meat work.
9. Design & Capacity
Finally, a Cattle Yard Supplier must ensure the yard is comfortable for cattle and is according to their natural behavior. One should not go for a steep hill and instead choose for a leveled ground or a slight uphill. Also, putting too many animals in a smaller pen could stress them out.
Pro Tip
Cattle yard designs built with the understanding of cattle’s natural instincts will not only help you be efficient with time and money but also increase productivity and improve meat quality. Are you looking for a warehouse storage solution and want to talk more about cattle handling system designs? Contact Gold Coast Racking for all-around support and expert advice.
