Imagine a world where handling and processing cattle is seamless. A world where safety and efficiency come together to create the livestock operation of your dreams. This can easily become a reality by purchasing a manual cattle chute designed with animal science and low-stress handling in mind.

If you’re in the market for a cattle chute or looking to upgrade from your old one, you’ll want to consider these four tips to ensure you’re getting the best chute for you and your operation.

1. Built to last

The construction of your manual cattle chute is one of the most important factors to consider before you make your purchase. Some cattle tend to be less docile, which is why you want to make sure you have equipment that can withstand rowdy cattle and frequent use.

By investing in a cattle chute that is designed for durability, you can ensure it will be a reliable choice that will last you for years to come. When determining if your chute will last, the first thing you’ll want to check is the materials it is made with. A manual cattle chute built with heavy-duty steel will last a lot longer than a chute made with wood or imported material.

Another thing to consider is how the equipment is coated. Is it powder coated or dipped? Typically, a cattle chute that is powder coated will last longer than one that is hot-dipped. The powder coating is also more efficient to help prevent rust and corrosion.

2. Optimal design

The design of a manual cattle chute plays a critical role in not only cattle’s behavior but also the operator's behavior. If a cattle chute feels unsafe and isn’t designed with livestock in mind, stress levels of the environment will be heightened, which increases the chance of injury and mistakes being made. That is why finding a cattle chute specifically designed with safety in mind will help minimize stress, speed up the process and make handling your cattle enjoyable again.

When looking at the design of a cattle chute, consider things like rounded corners and smooth edges to prevent injury to cattle as they move through your system. Sharp edges in your system can cause unnecessary harm to your cattle and greatly slow down your operation.

All ranchers know that time is precious, so finding a chute that is not only safe but also efficient is key. Choosing a chute that is easy to adjust and will accommodate cattle of any size is one way to easily save you time and effort. Another way to increase efficiency is to opt for a manual headgate. This style of headgate is often controlled using one or two handles and allows operators to easily catch cattle by themselves without needing to stop for constant adjustments.

A manual cattle chute that incorporates light in the design is also a great way to help increase efficiency when working cattle. This technique pairs with animal behavior by using natural light to draw cattle through the chute seamlessly to help streamline the process of working livestock.

Make sure your chute works with all your cattle – bulls, calves and everything in between. Photo courtesy of Arrowquip.

3. Seamless handling

Though the above points are important, one of the top considerations is how your chute will operate. Ideally, you want a chute that is smooth and quiet to operate to avoid issues such as cattle balking at the chute and shying away from moving through. For a more seamless operation, look for features such as rear rolling doors that can be used from either side of your chute. This will allow you to control the flow of cattle and avoid the chances of your animals trying to pile into the chute at once.

Finding a manual cattle chute that prioritizes noise reduction is also an important factor because loud and sudden noises will scare your cattle, which in turn will raise stress levels. Rubber floors and specially coated hinges and latches can help to reduce the sounds of metal on metal, which will make entering the chute a more inviting environment for your cattle. By minimizing noise and using smooth movements, you can better focus on the task at hand without distractions.

4. Accommodate for your cattle

Some cattle chute designs follow the motto “one-size-fits-all” – however, that is not the case. You want a cattle chute that will securely hold your cattle as you treat them no matter the size, so it’s important you check the dimensions before making a purchase. Consider the maximum range of the head gate and squeeze – will it be wide enough to fit your largest cattle? Think about the minimum range – will it be able to hold even your smallest calves without the risk of them slipping out? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track to purchasing a chute that will work for your unique needs.

Additionally, you can look for features such as drop-down neck access for administering vaccines or removable side access panels and swing-out access doors for complete accessibility to every point of your animal.

Also think about the accessories available for the chute you’re considering. Ranchers perform hundreds of tasks on cattle every year, so finding chute accessories that make those tasks easier will save you a lot of time for more important tasks. Add-ons such as a head holder or restraint can give you an added element of safety when vaccinating and tagging cattle. Or, if your cattle are prone to going down in the chute, you may want to consider a sternum bar.

Selecting the right manual cattle chute for your operation can be a daunting task. It’s an important decision that will affect the efficiency, safety and overall success of your operation. By following this guide, you can be certain you’re making an informed decision toward picking the right cattle chute for you and your herd.