Cattle Handling Systems

[Happytrails]

I've got a comment on using handling systems. We tried putting fresh weaned calves thru the bud box, S alley and chute, free flow in a dry run before processing. The guy who works with me would quit if I tried to stop the practice. I'm not sure why it helps so much but probably something to do with the first impression being the strongest. Anyway in 4 sessions we processed over 500 hd after a dry run and they went up the alley good, into the chute good, and left the chute good.

A couple of days ago we got a late start due to fog and my son suggested we skip the dry run to save time. The rest of us said no, the dry run SAVES time and it sure went smooth.

[grassfarmer]

Thats an interesting idea HT, might try it out - probably doesn't take long to run them through if you aren't catching them anyway?

[Happytrails]

It doesn't take very long at all and definately speeds up processing. Sometimes even have some trouble filling the bud box because the calves start down the crowd alley instead of continuing into the pen.

[WiltonRanch]

I am going to redo my loading system. Going to build a double loading chute for both semis and stock trailers. Now does anyone have experience with bud boxes on a loading chute. I'm thinking that way or a v style. No tub. Worked with them in auction markets and they are not my favourite.

[Happytrails]

My crowd alley forks after about 24'. One branch goes to semi loading chute and the other is an S alley to the palp cage and squeeze. Trailer chute starts parallel to main alley. Has a gate that blocks either alley. It all starts from the bud box. I wouldn't mind trying a double alley that branched later.

[smcgrath76]

We use a Bud box set up for semi's and ground loads. Chute has a gate to split either way after the bud box, depending on what is being loaded.
Last semi with calves took just over 10 minutes to load.
Ground load today for cows took under 7 minutes.
The best thing is to have it set up so the driver can easily get in and out to change gates in the truck and also depending on the trucker so they have a place to be (not back with the cows in the box).

[pickarock]

Thx so much for all the posts. Nothing like getting info from the ones actually doing the work! Now what do you think abt alleys - straight or curved. Tubs or bud boxes ....

[perfecho]

Vaccinated calves on weekend...the quick practise run through certainly did work...thanks for that tip.
I would use a bud box and I think if I made an alley, I would have the working side sheeted and open faced on off side...hopefully so they could see other cows leaving. Haven't used a curved alley, so will wait for responses from others...

[WiltonRanch]

My alley curves 90 degrees gradually over the span of 50'. Sides are sheeted solid up 4' with bolt together oil tank panels. Cows can see you and go up the chute by your movement on the outside. It's all rigged so if I am alone I can walk into the forcing alley and move a group into the box and put them up the alley into the chute and walk to the squeeze and by that time one is caught and I shut the slide at the back of the alley. If I'm stuck for help I can run stuff through alone with little trouble. In fact cows move better if no one is around and the dogs are tied up. Border collies can't help themselves you know.

[Happytrails]

Quote "Border collies can't help themselves." That is very true.

[kato]

German Shepherds can't either. Our dogs get tied up too. Lol.

One thing we've found that helps with our cows, since they've been through the chute so many times, and are pretty wise to it, is to let them stand in the corral for an hour or two before we put them through the chute. Our handling system is set up so that it all leads back out to the cow's pens, and freedom. After they've had a while to think about it, they are more willing to get the heck out.

[Guest]

Here is a link to the video on the latest Arrow Squeeze Chute: http://arrowcattlequip.com/products/cattle-squeeze-chute/q-catch-8500v/#product-video