Cattle chutes, a vital component in any livestock operation, are equipped with a plethora of terms and phrases that can sometimes be confusing. Understanding the terminology associated with cattle chutes is essential for effective communication and operation. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or just starting your journey in the cattle industry, having a comprehensive grasp of these terms will facilitate smoother handling and processing of your livestock. Let’s delve into the ultimate glossary of terms related to cattle chutes to expand your knowledge and ensure clarity in your interactions with others in the industry.
Alley
The alley is a crucial part of the cattle chute system that facilitates the safe movement of cattle into and out of the chute. It is adjustable to suit the size of the animals being worked and can be configured to meet the specific requirements of your facility and the task at hand.
BCS (Body Condition Score)
Body Condition Score (BCS) is a universal method of assessing the amount of fat on animals. It is recommended to evaluate the BCS of all your cattle as they pass through the chute and track any changes over time.
Bud Box
A Bud Box is a design feature in a cattle handling facility that positions the handler strategically to facilitate the flow of cattle into the chute. It follows correct cattle handling principles and has a small, rectangular design.
Calf Table
A Calf Table allows calves to be securely tipped to the right or left for efficient performance of procedures such as castration, dehorning, and branding. Similar tables are available for full-sized cattle for procedures like hoof trimming.
Calving Pen
A Calving Pen is an area designated for cattle to give birth to their calves. It often includes a cattle chute in case the dam requires medical attention before leaving the maternity pen.
Cattle Gates
Cattle Gates are used throughout the cattle handling system to segregate pens, keep cattle out of restricted areas, and sort livestock into groups effectively.
Cattle Panels
Cattle Panels are essential for creating efficient cattle handling systems. They should allow easy exit from the pen, have wide railings to minimize bruising, and ensure safe containment of cattle.
Cattle Tub
A Cattle Tub is a holding area that facilitates the movement of cattle into the chute system by directing the flow efficiently and safely towards the chute.
Cattle Vet Cage
Also known as a Palpation Cage, a Cattle Vet Cage is an integral part of a chute used for breeding heifers or cows and emergency procedures on animals. It includes gates to separate the handler from the working chute.
Catwalk
A Catwalk is a walkway for handlers located on the outside of a chute system to facilitate movement along the length of the chute.
Chute Charges
Some feedlots impose charges each time cattle are worked through a chute, which can affect the overall operational costs.
Chute Trailer
A Chute Trailer, also known as a wheel kit, is a mobile trailer that transports a portable cattle chute system between fields or corrals for cattle processing.
Corral
A Corral is a fenced enclosure where cattle are held before they enter the chutes. Various styles of corrals are employed based on the operation’s requirements and handler preferences.
Crowding Pen
A Crowding Pen is typically funnel-shaped and assists in moving cattle into a working or loading chute with minimal effort.
Crush Squeeze
Crush Squeeze, a term used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, refers to a squeeze chute designed to restrain cattle for various procedures.
Draft Pound
The Draft Pound is the central hub of the cattle handling system that connects all working equipment and outer pens, simplifying sorting with gates connecting all holding pens.
Full Opening Stanchion
A Full Opening Stanchion features a head gate with two separate sliding pieces that open and close like sliding doors, allowing animals to pass through after procedures.
Guillotine Head Gate
A Guillotine Head Gate secures the animal’s head in place during treatments or procedures but can be challenging to operate, leading to cattle hesitation before entering.
Head Gate
Located at the front of the chute, a Head Gate restrains the animal’s head in place, ensuring control during various cattle handling activities.
Head Holder
A Head Holder is a new product from Arrowquip designed to secure the animal’s head in a comfortable position for procedures, offering an alternative to traditional head gates.
Holding Chute
A Holding Chute, another term for a head gate or squeeze chute, is a pivotal component in the cattle handling system for controlling the animal’s movement.
Holding Pen
The Holding Pen is where animals are kept before being worked through the cattle chutes, aiming to house the maximum number of animals to be worked at one time and ensure a seamless transition into the chute system.
Hydraulic Cattle Chute/Crush
A Hydraulic Cattle Chute or Crush allows ranchers to work from different points along the chute, enhancing operational flexibility and safety while handling cattle.
Loading Chute
Loading Chutes are specifically designed to load cattle onto trailers swiftly and efficiently, catering to various trailer types and load capacities.
Manual Head Gate
A Manual Head Gate is operated by a handler and features an adjustable handle for flexibility in managing animal movement in the chute.
Needle Door/Access
The Needle Door provides easy access in the cattle chute for procedures such as vaccinations and branding in the neck and shoulder region.
Palpation Gate
This gate is found in a commercial squeeze chute and aids in conducting procedures like artificial insemination and castration in conjunction with the palpation cage or cattle vet cage.
Palpation Cage
Also referred to as a Cattle Vet Cage, the Palpation Cage is essential for breeding and emergency procedures, providing a secure environment for both the animal and the handler.
Race
The Race, synonymous with the working chute, guides cattle into the head gate or squeeze chute, ensuring a streamlined flow for processing animals.
Rolling Cattle Alley Gate
A versatile gate that can be repositioned within the system as needed for segregating and working cattle in different areas.
Scissor Stanchion
A Head Gate with two pivot pieces at the base that opens to release the animal, allowing it to pass through after procedures are completed.
Self-Catching Head Gate
A Self-Catching Head Gate provides an easy way to catch cattle, with the option of adding manual controls for enhanced reliability during cattle handling.
Sorting Alley
A Sorting Alley in the chute system allows for segregating or diverting cattle into the chute, a separate pen, or other configurations as required.
Stanchion Head Gate
Another popular head gate choice, the Stanchion Head Gate is fast and easy to operate, though occasional cattle evasion is possible.
Sternum Bar/Brisket Bar
A Sternum Bar is installed in a cattle squeeze chute to keep animals upright and prevent falls, with easy installation and removal for added convenience.
Squeeze Chute
The Squeeze Chute restrains and encloses cattle for treatments or procedures, minimizing the risk of injury to both animals and handlers by controlling their movement.
Scales
Scales are essential for weighing cattle and other items, with variants like crates, platforms, and plates available to suit different handling requirements.
System
The cattle handling area and chute(s) collectively form the system, known by various names like cattle working system, cattle yard, or cattle pens.
Working Chute
Leading cattle into the head gate or squeeze chute, the Working Chute sets them up in a single file for processing, also identified as the race in some contexts.
Whichever terminology you choose to employ in your discussions about cattle chutes, the ultimate goal remains consistent – to ensure a safe, efficient, and low-stress cattle handling experience. By mastering these terms and their functionalities, you equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to streamline your operations and enhance the well-being of your livestock.
For more insights on cattle handling equipment and system design ideas, visit Arrowquip Cattle Equipment and discover innovative solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements.
References:
- University of Kentucky
- Beef 2 Live
- Cattle Today
- Temple Grandin
About the Author
Dana Charban
As a small-town girl from rural Manitoba, Dana Charban brings a wealth of experience in agriculture and farming to her role. Her dedication to providing valuable insights in content strategies and journalism for Arrowquip contributes significantly to the industry’s knowledge base.
For more information on Dana Charban, visit here.
Got questions or insights to share? Feel free to reach out to Dana Charban via email at info@arrowquip.com.
