Hold Up: Where To Place Cattle Alley Gates In Your Working System

Cattle alley gates are an important part of your cattle handling system. They allow ranchers to safely and efficiently work cattle through the system and are essential to regulate cattle flow to make processing cattle easier than ever.

When it comes to the placement of the alley gates, there are many things to consider, such as the type of cattle handling system, location, and uses. The number of cattle being worked through the system is another determining factor for where stop gates may be necessary. Additionally, curved and straight alleyways have different set points for cattle alley gate placement.

Why we use cattle alley gates

The purpose of cattle alley gates in your handling system is to regulate cattle flow. They help prevent extra animals from entering the chute, can prevent cattle from moving backwards, and ensure that the cattle alleys and other system components don’t become overcrowded.

It is important to remember to only place the gates where you need them as too many gates can negatively impact cattle flow, disrupting your livestock and creating balking issues.

It is all in the design

There are two common types of alley configuration: straight and curved alley designs. Each design has its pros and cons, which operators should take into consideration when designing their cattle handling system.

Curved Cattle Alleys

For many years, it was believed that cattle preferred to follow curves and move in a circular pattern. However, with more research and studies, this has been proven false. Cattle prefer to see where they’re going and move in straight lines. With that being said, curved alleys can still be effective when designed properly.

A uniform curve can help guide cattle through your system, especially when space is limited, or a straight alley isn’t practical with your layout. It’s important to keep in mind that tight, inconsistent curves can cause hesitation, balking, or backtracking with cattle.

Straight Cattle Alleys

The design of straight cattle alleys aligns more closely with the way cattle move, naturally following one another in a clear, forward path. When cattle have a straight, unobstructed line of sight and solid alley walls to reduce distractions, their flow is improved greatly.

Straight configurations are no fuss cattle handling systems that help stockmen and women get the job done quickly and efficiently. Cattle alley gates in a straight configuration can be used to stop an animal and hold it until the cattle following it have a chance to catch up. Straight systems have more stop and go in cattle movement, but on some operations that is preferable.

Placing your cattle alley gates

No matter what design you choose, the use of alley gates will make your cattle handling system safer and more efficient. By following these guidelines to place your alley gates, you can be certain your system remains as efficient as possible.

• The rule of thumb is to have one alley gate at the entrance of your alleys (where the cattle tub meets your system), and one before the squeeze chute. This will prevent extra animals from entering the alleys or the chute. Additional gates can be added in larger systems, however in smaller systems, two may be enough.
• Longer cattle handling systems will require more alley gates than shorter systems. With a longer handling system, you can use multiple alley gates to separate cattle into smaller groups or ease the flow into the chute.
• If your system branches off, for example, before a loading ramp, at the calf table, or ahead of sorting pens, you may want to consider adding alley gates.

When it comes to the number of alley gates to add to your system or where to place them, there is no golden rule. As a rancher, you know how your cattle and handling system works, which is why you should place gates in areas that will increase safety and efficiency on your operation.

Cattle handling system design, handler technique, and cattle behavior are intertwined in the success or failure of cattle handling on your operation. When all factors are in check, the right corral and cattle handling system design can ease stress for cattle and make the handlers' job easier.

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References
Cattle Working Facilities
Cattle Working Systems
Corrals for Handling Beef Cattle
Straight, Open-Sided Chutes and Squeeze Chutes are Best for Cattle Handling