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Design Recommendations
General design features are listed below.
Gate Design
- Gates should open through a full 180°
- Hinge pintles should be fitted with split pins to prevent the gate from being lifted off by the animal
- It should be possible to tie back all gates to prevent accidental closure
- Care should be taken to ensure that gate latches do not protrude into an area where animals will be walking as they are a major cause of bruising
Wall Design
- Solid walls encourage calm and efficient cattle movement to a better degree than open designs
- Wall height can be tailored to the breed, but heights of 1.52m for British breeds, and 1.67-1.83m for continental breeds are recommended (Grandin, 1997)
- The inclusion of a toe slot in high-sided solid walls to facilitate easy escape for the handler should be considered
Floor Surface
- Durable non-slip surfaces should be used in all areas frequented by cattle and handlers
- Old worn floor surfaces should be re-grooved
- Worn crush floors should be replaced to prevent hoof injuries and to encourage the cattle to stand still
- Where possible, floor surfaces should have a slight slope with a maximum of 5° to facilitate drainage