Effective sheep handling is crucial for any farming operation aiming to maximize profitability. The right practices and equipment can significantly enhance efficiency, safety, and animal welfare, all of which contribute to the bottom line. At ProWay, we are committed to providing high-quality, custom-tailored livestock handling solutions designed to make your enterprise more efficient, profitable, and safer for both animals and operators. With over 20 years of operational experience, we understand the potential dangers and challenges of livestock handling on the farm. Here, we share key tips and best practices for optimizing sheep handling for profitability.

Understanding Flight Zones and Points of Balance

One of the foundational aspects of effective sheep handling is understanding the animals’ flight zones and points of balance. The flight zone is the area surrounding an animal that it considers its personal space. When a handler enters this zone, the animal will move away. The size of the flight zone varies depending on how tame the animal is and its level of excitement. Approaching an animal head-on increases its flight zone, while calm animals have smaller flight zones. The point of balance is located at the animal’s shoulder. To move the animal forward, the handler should stand behind this point. Conversely, standing in front of the point of balance will cause the animal to back up. Many handlers make the mistake of standing in front of the point of balance while attempting to move an animal forward. Effective handling involves minimal prodding, as animals that move through the race on their own should be left undisturbed. Often, a simple tap on the side of the alley is sufficient to maintain movement.

ProWay’s Sheep Yard Design Principles

ProWay’s sheep yards are designed with a deep understanding of livestock behaviour and operational needs. Our design team considers various factors to create facilities that maximize stock flow, animal welfare, and profitability. Here are some key elements of our approach:

Custom Tailored Designs

No two operations are the same, which is why ProWay’s livestock handling solutions are custom-tailored to meet specific requirements. We take into account operation type, working and holding capacity, loading infrastructure, labour efficiency, and site specifications. By understanding the unique needs of your farming operation, we ensure that our products support you now and well into the future.

Efficient Manufacturing

ProWay’s livestock equipment is efficiently manufactured but not mass-produced. This allows us to cater to your capacity, operation, or on-site requirements with precision. Our experienced design team utilizes satellite, aerial, and survey technology to measure existing infrastructure and site parameters, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs.

Safety and Animal Welfare

Safety for both operators and animals is paramount. Our sheep corrals incorporate protective rails, loading ramps and races, manways, and elevated walkways to minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, calm cattle are easier to handle, so our designs focus on reducing stress and excitement in the animals, which in turn improves handling efficiency.

Key Tips for Effective Sheep Handling

To maximize profitability through effective sheep handling, consider the following best practices:

Optimize Yard Layout

The layout of your sheep yards has a significant impact on handling efficiency. Proper gate placement, yard access, angles, and compression ratios are crucial for smooth stock flow. For example, ProWay’s experienced design team has created thousands of unique layouts that factor in these details, ensuring optimal operation.

Utilize Natural Movements

Design your handling facilities to utilize the natural movements and instincts of sheep. This reduces stress and encourages smoother movement through the yards. ProWay’s designs leverage these principles to create environments where sheep move calmly and efficiently.

Invest in Quality Equipment

High-quality equipment is essential for long-term profitability. ProWay’s sheep handling products, such as the Bulk Handler, Rotary Force, Adjustable Dual Lead Up Race and Serpentine Race, are designed and manufactured in Australia and installed worldwide. These products are continually improved based on client feedback and industry standards, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and reliability.

Implement Regular Training

Regular training for handlers is crucial to maintaining effective sheep handling practices. Understanding animal behaviour, proper handling techniques, and the use of equipment can significantly enhance efficiency and safety. ProWay offers support and training to help you get the most out of your investment.

The ProWay Experience

ProWay’s commitment to quality and innovation extends beyond product design. Our approach to sheep handling includes:

Proven Design Principles

Our design principles are applied to various sheep husbandry operations, such as sorting, drenching, vaccinating, and long-term holding or quarantine. These principles ensure that your handling facilities are efficient and tailored to your specific needs.

Customization for Specific Breeds

Recognizing that different breeds have different requirements, ProWay offers customized solutions for wool and meat producers. This includes specific features like tailored loading chutes and ensuring that the equipment meets the unique needs of your operation.

Continuous Improvement

Our industry-backed design and engineering team is dedicated to continuous product development. By incorporating feedback from clients, we make effective modifications to improve animal welfare, operator safety, and ease of operation. This commitment to continual improvement has made ProWay Sheep Yards and equipment the preferred choice for maximizing safety and efficiency. Effective sheep handling is key to maximizing profitability in your farming operation. By understanding animal behaviour, optimizing corral layouts, investing in quality equipment, and ensuring regular training for handlers, you can enhance efficiency, safety, and animal welfare. ProWay’s custom-tailored livestock handling solutions are designed to support your unique needs, making your enterprise more efficient and profitable. With over 20 years of experience, ProWay is your trusted partner in creating state-of-the-art sheep handling facilities that are built to last. For more information on our products and services, visit our website. This comprehensive approach to sheep handling will help you achieve better profitability through enhanced efficiency and safety. By implementing these best practices and leveraging ProWay’s innovative solutions, you can optimize your sheep handling operations for long-term success.