Corral and Working Facilities for Beef Cattle Oklahoma State University

Table Of Content

• Directions for Laying out races and crowd pens
• Straight or curved crowd alley?
• Draft Pound - Cattle Sorting
• CAD Drawings of Cattle Corral Designs
• Cost-Effective Corral Building Tips
• Noble “Essentials” courses deliver new ideas and practices plus a regenerative network
• simple steps to designing beef cattle corrals and handling facilities

The basic design is usually either curved (circular), rectangular (square) or some combination of the two. Sample plans developed by noted animal behaviorist Temple Grandin often have curved alleys. This is because she has found in her research that livestock can be moved more efficiently in a curved alley. Compared to rectilinear (square) corrals, the curved designs tend to be much more challenging to set up; particularly with standardized equipment.

Directions for Laying out races and crowd pens

"My neighbors are impressed with the ease of sorting " Bill W. Canada. “Although solid sides are common on Bud Boxes and tubs, I prefer that only the lower halves be covered,” Gill states. To assist you in clarifying your goals we have prepared a number of questions below.

Straight or curved crowd alley?

Wire fencing can be installed using different techniques such as barbed wire or woven wire, depending on your specific needs and preferences. To calculate the holding capacity, you need to consider the space required per animal. A general rule of thumb is to allocate about square feet per animal. This allows enough room for the animals to move around comfortably and reduces the risk of injuries or stress. Wood is a traditional and widely used material for cattle corral construction.

Draft Pound - Cattle Sorting

When a person with a flag stands on the small catwalk at the pivot point of the crowd gate, the cattle will circle around the person and enter the the single file chute. People who are operating the squeeze chute should work on the outer side of the squeeze chute. When the people are on the outer side, the slight bend in the single file chute will prevent incoming cattle from seeing the people who are operating the squeeze chute.

CAD Drawings of Cattle Corral Designs

Corral Technologies Raises $1.38M to Expand Virtual Fence Solutions Across the U.S. - Silicon Prairie News

Corral Technologies Raises $1.38M to Expand Virtual Fence Solutions Across the U.S..

Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

For less skilled handlers who do not understand flight zone principles completely, solid sides are recommended. “For cows it is between 24 and 32 inches wide, depending upon the size of the animals being worked. Like the Bud Box or tub, it is better to use half-panels to cover the bottom of the crowd alley sides than building complete solid walls.

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It consists of interlocking metal links that create a solid barrier, effectively containing the cattle. Chain link fences are known for their strength and resistance to damage, making them suitable for larger herds or areas with more aggressive cattle. Please note that while this section will help you understand how much space you need to manage your herd it does not tell you how to arrange the pens that you require. Cattle are drawn forward when they can see a possible escape route ahead. Also they move more readily away from the sun, and uphill rather than downhill.

I've since added 109 ideas to those first 11  and put them into package #3. Along with 18 of the best  layouts I've worked in over 40 years. The chute’s floor height should be adjustable to accommodate both trucks and trailers unless a separate trailer loading facility is constructed.

Portable electric fencing is another option to consider for temporary cattle corrals. This type of fencing utilizes electric currents to deter the cattle from crossing the boundaries of the enclosure. Portable electric fencing offers the advantage of being easily movable and adjustable, making it suitable for temporary corral setups. Electric fencing is another popular option for cattle corrals, especially for those looking for a more flexible and easily adjustable solution. Electric fences use a series of wires, typically made of steel or aluminum, that are electrified to deter the cattle from pushing or leaning on the fence. Wire fencing is a common choice for cattle corral designs due to its affordability, durability, and versatility.

This all facilitates easier cattle flow, and therefore stress less cattle handling. My designs are more for smaller (mostly one or two-person) facilities. Package 3 includes a super-fast twin-chute design that has trebled the speed of cattle handling for some cattlemen.

It allows for the safe and efficient movement of animals into the chute. When building a DIY crowding tub, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Metal cattle corrals can be constructed using welded panels or gates. Welded panels are made by joining metal bars together using welding techniques, creating a solid and secure enclosure. Gates can be constructed using metal frames with bars or mesh infill, providing easy access points to the corral.

There are various options available, such as manual, self-catching, or hydraulic headgates. Each has its advantages and considerations, so choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Firstly, you need to determine the appropriate size for your squeeze chute.

Consult other producers for recommendations, and take the time to do your research. If you’re directly behind cattle they can’t see you without turning their head – which distracts them from where you want them to go. Standing about 35° to one side allows them to see you as they move forward. And you have it on your computer immediately (in PDF so you can alter or add to any plan to suit your exact needs). And you can print just the pages you'll need - or the whole package (a plastic-pocket binder keeps it clean and dry).

This type of flooring has a rough surface that offers good grip for the cattle. It is important to ensure that the texture is not too abrasive to avoid causing discomfort or injuries to the animals’ hooves. Metal is another popular choice for cattle corral construction due to its strength and durability. It offers a long-lasting solution that can withstand the elements and the force exerted by cattle. There are different types of metal that can be used, including steel and aluminum.