Good management farming practices is a must for any farmer to be able to survive financially.
Losses due to theft, predators or disease must be limited. The expense of feed and
supplementary feed is enormous, and as a farmer, you need to maximise weight gain per
kilogram of feed. This can be avoided with the right sheep handling equipment.
Ewes’ fertility is very important and can be measured by the lambing percentage. To prevent
these problems, you will need to monitor your sheep more often and in more detail. You should
invest in sheep handling equipment for more efficiency and ease. Below is some helpful advice
on everything you need to know about sheep handling equipment.
What Should You Monitor?
As a livestock farmer, you are likely already aware of the hard work and effort that goes into your
job. There are some specific aspects of your sheep, however, that you should always monitor
and be aware of to ensure that your sheep are healthy:
• Average daily gain (ADG) weighing your sheep on a weighing platform or sheep handling – and
weighing crate
• Any possible diseases by using visual inspection of the mouth, feet, eyes and ears
• Possible or confirmed pregnancy in the ewes
By monitoring often, you will be able to detect problems early enough to take action. You will also
be able to limit financial damages and or flock losses. Be sure to look for equipment built
specifically for your sheep, as sheep handling equipment is calibrated for the weight and
movement of the animal.
Improve Your Kraal
While the old kraal does still serve its purpose, life can be made easier by adding in movable
sheep handling equipment. This can help to make the process of working the flock quicker and
more efficient. With the cost of labour also increasing, movable sheep handling equipment
requires fewer hands, operates quicker, and is cost-effective. Fewer hands and handling
equipment that ease the flow also reduces stress on the animal.
A movable sheep handling system is very helpful, and you can move the equipment to where the
sheep are. Most sheep farms are thousands of hectares, and by using this equipment, you will
only need one system, making it a very economic option. A movable sheep handling system
consists of different components, and because our products are modular – each farmer can
design their own layout according to their needs.
You can also consult with experts who can provide you with effective layouts. A basic movable
sheep handling equipment system consists of the following:
• A sorting gate to split the flock in two or more flocks
• A stop gate to prevent sheep from entering the crush or other areas
• A sliding gate to help sheep exit the work area easily
• A guillotine for a quick and hassle-free exit from the work area
• A footbath to treat the hooves for any diseases or injuries
• A sheep clamp and tilt to release stress from the operator’s back
• Sheep hurdles linking the system together effectively
• A weighing platform or sheep handling and weighing crate for weighing the flock to monitor
their growth
There are some very expensive sheep handling systems available, and some systems have
been computerised, but this can prove to be expensive for those with smaller budgets, as well as
difficult to maintain if you are not tech-savvy.
Conclusion
Most farmers who use sheep handling equipment will only need a very basic raceway system. It
will need to be reliable and long-lasting, providing assistance for decades to come. There are
some optional extra pieces of sheep handling equipment that you can install to improve your
basic system:
• A movable sheep loading bay for easy loading
• A sheep weighing crate with an electronic or mechanical scale
• An in-line, semi-automatic weighing crate with an electronic scale
• A circular forcing crush can be added to the unit to improve the flow of animals
These movable sheep handling systems are ideal for any farmer who is starting out, expanding
or even for an established commercial farmer. It can make an impressive difference to the
profitability of any sheep farmer. Contact Van Schoor for advice on the design of a system that
will suit your needs
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