Cattle crush and safety
Introduction to crush and safety
Every cattle crush has a slightly different configuration and operational controls, hence before you attempt to use one you should become familiar with how to work the different levers and what they correspond to. Different cattle crushes may also be capable of different functions (e.g. a squeeze crush vs. a head bail crush), hence knowing how to utilise any additional features to ensure safety of both handlers and animals is maximised is of great importance. The diagram below shows an example of a cattle crush and the devices which may be used to restrain and perform operations on an animal.
Every cattle crush has a slightly different configuration and operational controls, hence before you attempt to use one you should become familiar with how to work the different levers and what they correspond to. Different cattle crushes may also be capable of different functions (e.g. a squeeze crush vs. a head bail crush), hence knowing how to utilise any additional features to ensure safety of both handlers and animals is maximised is of great importance. The diagram below shows an example of a cattle crush and the devices which may be used to restrain and perform operations on an animal.
It is important to note potential hazards of using the crush. These could include: horizontal slates in the side doors where a cow could crush an arm put through (if needing to touch the back of a cow, always do so by reaching over its back through a higher bar), the area in front of the crush in which an animal could knock a person in front of them and whether levers are engaged and potentially capable of knocking an individual.
After familiarisation with the crush you may proceed to move a cow in from the race. Cattle crush operation often requires two individuals for optimum efficiency.
Once the animal is securely contained within the crush any other devices, such as a chin bar, halter or squeeze mechanism, can be utilised for further restraint.
After familiarisation with the crush you may proceed to move a cow in from the race. Cattle crush operation often requires two individuals for optimum efficiency.
- Ensure the head bails are open to allow the cow a clear view through the crush (but not open enough to allow the cow to run through) and be prepared to close the bails as soon as the cow is in position.
Hint: the bails should be approximately ½-¾ of the way open, never fully open. - Open the rear door allowing the cow to enter. If it does not do so open the head bails wider to allow a clearer view through the crush.
- Close the door behind the cow after it has entered to prevent the next animal in the race from following (in the case of no holding cell in the race).
- Once the cow has its head through the bail close the gates in a strong, forceful and fast motion to prevent it moving too far through.
NOTE: this action will not injure the muscular neck of the cow, however closing the door too late and trapping the shoulders could lead to injury.
Once the animal is securely contained within the crush any other devices, such as a chin bar, halter or squeeze mechanism, can be utilised for further restraint.