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S-Flow Cattle Handling Systems

S-flow cattle handling system

Curves for Continuous Cattle Flow

S-Flow Cattle Handling Systems make use of cattle’s instinct to follow curves. Incorporating arcs into your system allows you to create draw and maintain movement as cattle flow through. This type of system is ideal for loading large groups of livestock into a trailer or drafting them into separate yards.

Good cattle flow is essential in an operation and achieving this requires a combination of understanding cattle behaviour, a well-designed system, and effective livestock handling techniques.

Understanding Cattle Behaviour

There are 5 main principles of cattle behaviour:

  1. Cattle want to see you.
  2. Cattle want to go around you.
  4. Cattle want to remove pressure.

(Gill, R., & Machen, R., 2014)

Cattle have a natural tendency to move in curves because they are prey animals who always want to see you. Since they are herd animals, they also feel more comfortable with other cattle than being alone. It is essential to always keep in mind that cattle are more than just commodities. They are animals who can also think and feel.

How S-Flow Works

To maximise efficiency, full handling systems are recommended to be in the shape of an ‘S’. The curves in the system repeatedly convince cattle they are escaping which keeps stress levels at a minimum and prevents pauses in the flow of cattle. S-Flow works by understanding how cattle behave and designing a system that complements their instincts.

The most crucial part of S-Flow is at the beginning when draw is initiated. Establishing consistent flow with the first few head ensures that the rest will follow, making it possible for a solo handler to work a large group of cattle through a system. The 3E BudFlow® Forcing Pen works well for the first step of S-Flow because of its ¾ circular shape and 3E low-sheeted panels. By using light to guide livestock into the pen and races, the leaders of the group easily enter the system followed by the rest.

It is important to keep in mind that S-Flow only works with an open system. When loading or drafting large groups of livestock, it is recommended to regulate flow without stopping it completely. Pauses in the movement will break the flow of cattle and require you to initiate the draw once more. All three sizes of the 3E BudFlow Forcing Pen are designed with gates that can be kept open to ensure continuous clear passage for livestock.

Working S-Flow With BudFlow

  • Cattle enter the forcing pen through the back gate
  • Cattle see light through the low-sheeted panels and follow the circular shape of the forcing pen
  • Cattle round the tub and see others through the low-sheeted panel, drawing them out of the forcing pen
  • Cattle easily enter the open access to the races
  • The S-Flow system is continued with curved races leading to the draft
  • The handler can use point of balance handling techniques to maintain continuous flow

The S-Flow Cattle Handling System is continued with a series of race sections forming an arc leading to a post-crush cattle draft or trailer. The Easy Flow® Cattle Races are suitable for S-Flow because they are designed with easy entry and exit features that greatly improve how cattle flow through the race system. With removable panels on the Easy Flow Races, you can control what cattle see within the alley and apply point of balance handling techniques to regulate movement towards the desired area.

Read more: Top 10 Expert Cattle Race Design Tips

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