This is an interesting article on sheep handling facilities that came in an
email newsletter from the Ohio State University Extension Office.
Information about subscribing to this free newsletter is provided at the
end of this article.
C) SHEEP HANDLING FACILITIES
Richard Cobb, Extension Sheep Specialist, University of Illinois
Within the past ten years a great interest in sheep handling facilities has
developed in this country. I feel that this is due to the realization that
as we increase the numbers and/or the size of the sheep we work with, it
becomes increasingly important that we do so in as efficient a manner as
possible and with a minimum of physical labor. We all can appreciate the
physically demanding and exhausting work involved with sorting, weighing,
worming, pregnancy checking, etc., a number of sheep. A good working or
handling facility whether permanent or temporary, or portable can reduce
the physical demands of these jobs to a very manageable level.
Handling facilities have been in existence for centuries in countries with
sheep populations and have been sophisticated to a remarkable degree. We,
however, are more concerned with the "basic" requirements for a successful
facility or yard and will concern ourselves in this area.
In simple terms, a yard is needed where sheep can be stored for short
periods and then moved easily and quickly to a work area where they can be
separated into different groups and handled individually. Based on this
idea, it is probable that no one design is best for all farms. This is
because the yards must be fitted to the operator, his sheep and the
operations performed on the sheep, and area available for the yards to be
constructed.
The sheep yard is divided into the following parts:
1. Storage area. The size will be determined by the number of sheep that
are normally handled as a group. For instance, a 300-ewe flock would
require a larger storage area than a ewe flock having just 100 ewes.
2. Drafting chute or race. The sheep move from the storage area single file
into the drafting chute. This allows the operator to identify the sheep and
separate whichever sheep he wants. An excellent example of the use of this
chute is to sort ewes into breeding groups. The ewes come into the chute,
single file, are identified by ear tag number or paint brand, and then
sorted by use of a drafting gate at the end of the chute into tow or three
different groups. This can be done by one person, if necessary.
Sheep yards should be designed with the sheep in mind. Success or failure
in getting sheep to flow through the pens with minimum effort for both
sheep and shepherd is related to basic principles which should be remembered.
1. Sheep will follow one another.
2. Sheep prefer to move uphill or up a slight incline vs. downhill.
3. Sheep flow better around slight corners or curves.
4. Sheep will move away from things that frighten them.
5. Sheep will move toward another sheep or friend.
6. Sheep do not like to walk into the sun.
Sheep do all of these things by instinct and therefore these principles
should be fully exploited in the design of sheep handling facilities. Other
factors to be considered in the selection of a site for a working facility are:
1. It should be centrally located to the sheep population.
2. It should be free draining.
3. It should be shaded.
4. The chute should run north and south (not east and west) to avoid sheep
moving into the sun.
5. It should be convenient for loading and access.
Factors to observe in the facility layouts and construction:
1. Pens should be no larger than necessary.
2. Obstructions and sharp edges should be avoided.
3. Rails or sheeting should be on the inside.
4. All surfaces should be smooth and timber splinter free.
5. Gates and catches should be easily operated.
6. The basic layout should be as simple as possible.
The sorting race is of utmost importance and should conform to the
following specifications:
1. Narrow enough to present sheep singly. (Ideal width from 14 inches for
small breeds up to 20 inches for larger breeds.)
2. Long enough and permitting an unobstructed view to identify sheep well
in advance. (Fifteen to twenty feet is a good length.)
3. Sides should be smooth and free of projections.
4. Sorting gates must present a clear view ahead to the oncoming sheep.
5. Both entry and exit must conform to the principles of sheep psychology.
6. Position of operator must not deter sheep.
7. Height of the chute should not interfere with working. (A good height is
36 inches.)
Sheep working facilities add a new dimension to sheep production. Used
correctly, they can add to the efficiency of your total operation. A
working chute or race can be used to drench, pregnancy test, and sort or
allot ewes into breeding bands. A working chute brings the sheep to you,
one at a time, single file, so that you can check their teeth, udders, etc.
If necessary, you can trim or shear around their eyes, check ear tags
and/or replace ear tags. You can also paint brand, trim feet, and at the
end of the day still have enough energy left over to enjoy yourself that
evening.
Two excellent publications to consult for more information on sheep
handling facilities are:
Sheep Handbook, Housing and Equipment - published by Midwest Plan Service,
www.mwpshq.org Iowa State University, Ames Iowa, 50010 and available at you
state university sheep extension office.
Farm Buildings Information Center, #16 - a British booklet and available
from U.K. Products, Washington, Iowa.
EDITORS NOTE: Other resources - Sheep Production Handbook - available from
American Sheep Industry Association, www.sheepusa.org 9785 Maroon Circle,
Suite 360, Centennial, CO 80112, Phone (303) 771-3500 extension 32, 7:00am
and 3:00pm, MST, FAX (303) 771-8200.
Discussion and plans for a 'U' bugle facility available from the New South
Wales Dept. of Agriculture - http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/sheep-yards
Planning Your Sheep Handling Facility - Factsheet from Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/livestock/sheep/facts/02-057.htm
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