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Beef Breeder MANUAL
Figure 2.23. Cattle loading ramp with a level platform at the top of the ramp to assist cattle to steady themselves as they step of the truck. Source: Magnus Australia.
Figure 2.24. Poorly designed and constructed handling facilities such as the limsy, low-sided loading ramp left and poorly maintained race right are unsafe for cattle and people and must be replaced. Source: International Agriculture for
Development.
2.2.6. Laneways
Laneways to and from the yards should be planned to give animals quick and easy access to the yards from
paddocks and other areas on the property. This will ensure that their movement is as stress free as possible
for both the animals and the animal handlers.
The width of the lanes will vary according to the amount of space available but should be about 6m
wide if possible. Wider laneways can be used but more people will be needed to control the animals and get
them to the desired destination. Laneways must also be constructed to a standard that prevents cattle from
escaping as they are moved through the laneway.
Gates in laneways can also be used to assist handlers to move or control the animals with minimal stress or
danger.
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Cold Winter Climates
2.2.7. Gates
When designing a yard, it is important that animals can see where you are trying to move them to. Gates should
be placed in corners so that animals can move along a fence line and then through the gate that is wide enough
to allow a number of animals through at any one time. Where this is done, the fences will assist the handler to
maintain control of the animals.
In most cases the gateway entrance to a yard needs only to be about 3m wide. Most other gates will vary between
2m to 2.5m wide depending on the number of animals to be handled and where they are being used in the yard
design. It is important that fencing immediately adjacent to gates should be reinforced to handle the pressure of
cattle as they move through the gate. Examples of steel gates and gate latches are shown in Fig. 2.25 and 2.26.
An additional consideration for cattle yard safety is the installation of smaller escape gates for people to quickly
get access between yards, or escape from the cattle in
Figure 2.25. Steel cattle gates in cattle yards are practical and cost efective to manufacture and install. Source: International Agriculture for Development.
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Beef Breeder MANUAL
Figure 2.26. Chain latches and spring-loaded ‘slam shut’ latches are the common closure mechanisms for cattle yard gates. Source: International Agriculture for Development, Commander Ag-Quip.
the event that an animal becomes aggressive. These gates may only be 700mm to 800mm wide, but should
have a strong spring attached to ensure they are self- closing and remain closed to prevent animals becoming
stuck in this small gap. An alternative solution is installation of strong rubber sheeting, such as conveyer
belt rubber, across a smaller gap width of about 600mm Fig. 2.27. The solid rubber efectively ‘hides’ the escape
route from the cattle.
Figure 2.27. An ‘escape gate’ in cattle yards allows easy access
between pens by people whilst cattle remain unaware of its
presence. Source: International Agriculture for Development.
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Cold Winter Climates
2.2.8. Yard Posts
