Squeeze chute

Squeeze Chute

A squeeze chute (also known as a cattle crush in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand) is a strongly built stall or cage for holding cattle, horses, and other livestock safely while they are examined, marked, or given veterinary treatment. Cows may be made to suckle calves in a squeeze chute. Squeeze chutes are designed to minimize stress and risk of injury to both livestock and handlers, which is essential for the safety and efficiency of livestock management operations.

Design and Functionality

The primary feature of a squeeze chute is its ability to restrain an animal, reducing its movement to a minimum. This is achieved through the use of side walls that can be adjusted to various widths to accommodate animals of different sizes, effectively "squeezing" them to hold them securely in place. Most squeeze chutes are equipped with a headgate at the front to secure the animal's head and prevent forward movement, and a tailgate at the rear to prevent backward movement.

Modern squeeze chutes may include features such as:

• Drop-down sides for easy access to the animal's sides.
• Adjustable floor widths to accommodate different sizes of livestock.
• Neck bars to hold the animal's head in place for procedures like tagging or injecting.
• A squeeze mechanism that can be operated manually, pneumatically, or hydraulically.

Safety and Welfare

The design of squeeze chutes is heavily influenced by considerations for both animal welfare and handler safety. Properly designed and operated squeeze chutes minimize stress and discomfort for the animals, which can reduce the risk of injury to both the animals and the handlers. The use of squeeze chutes is endorsed by animal welfare organizations when conducted in accordance with best practices.

Types of Squeeze Chutes

There are several types of squeeze chutes, each designed for specific types of livestock and operational needs:

• Manual Squeeze Chutes: Operated by hand levers, these require physical strength but offer high levels of control.
• Hydraulic Squeeze Chutes: These use hydraulic power for operation, reducing the physical effort required and allowing for smoother, more precise adjustments.
• Portable Squeeze Chutes: Designed for temporary setups or for use in multiple locations, these can be transported and set up as needed.

Applications

Squeeze chutes are used in a variety of livestock management operations, including:

• Vaccinations and medical treatments
• Ear tagging and branding
• Pregnancy checks
• Artificial insemination
• Weighing

Conclusion

Squeeze chutes are an essential tool in modern livestock management, providing a safe and efficient way to handle animals during various management and veterinary procedures. Their design and functionality continue to evolve with advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on animal welfare.