Drafting
Drafting is a means of separating cows into different enclosures within the yards by use of a round yard or race. Both procedures can be done with one person, although yard drafting is often easier with two. This processes is a means of sorting cattle, separating cows from calves, reorganising herds, or quickly removing cows for sale or treatment.
Note: when separating cows and calves, always draft the cows out. This is because it is difficult to direct cows trying to get to their separated calves and calves have a very unpredictable nature and do not respond well to usual point of balance techniques.
Note: when separating cows and calves, always draft the cows out. This is because it is difficult to direct cows trying to get to their separated calves and calves have a very unpredictable nature and do not respond well to usual point of balance techniques.
Yard drafting utilises the point of balance of cattle, and their natural inclination to walk in circles to direct the cattle to where they are wanted. An example picture of a round yard is shown below. The many gates opening off the yard provide options for sorting. The cattle are directed through these gates into particular holding yards by utilising the point of balance.
Different round yards work in different directions, depending on the direction the gates open – the cattle are always directed to move so the open gate stops them running past the entry to the holding yard. Round yard management often requires two people, however it can easily be done with just one and use of a director such as poly-pipe.
To successfully draft cattle in the round yard:
To successfully draft cattle in the round yard:
- Have one person stationed on the gate you are drafting cattle through, holding the gate to the side of the body and never standing behind it. (To prevent being knocked by the gate as cattle move past.)
- Direct the cattle to move in the desired direction by walking up behind them, forcing them to move in the opposite direction (as they desire due to being behind their point of balance). If alone, using poly-pipe to block and direct their movement and gently tapping can be sufficient if managed correctly.
- The cattle will move in a circle towards the open gate and move into the yard.
- It is important for the person on the gate to be very observant in this procedure, to ensure that only the desired cattle are allowed through the gate, and that no cattle move from the holding yard back into the round yard. .