September 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 Livestock handling equipment companies know and understand this, and they work diligently to ensure both demands are met. “Our products are master engineered purposefully with the safety of the operator and the animal in mind,” Mollhagen says. “There is a reason for every part and piece on Moly equipment – and that reason is safety, for both the animal and the operator.” Critical Features in Modern Equipment Modern livestock handling equipment is engineered with a range of safety features that protect both the operator and the animals. These features are designed to address common risks associated with cattle handling and to make the process as safe and efficient as possible. Common safety features often incorporated in livestock handling equipment include but are not limited to: • Hydraulic and/or remote-controlled systems • Slam-to-shut doors • Emergency exits for livestock • Various head-control options • Wide chutes and lanes • Sound-dampened latch points and other noise-elimination methods • Straight neck bars on curtain style headgate doors These safety features just begin to scratch the surface of the innovative ways manufacturers aim to keep livestock, and farming and ranching personnel safe. For example, each feature plays a key role in safety, whether that be in ensuring the comfort of livestock moving through the chute, avoiding choking, decreasing risk of spinal injuries and bruising, eliminating stress caused by noise and overcrowding or avoiding personal injury. “The very nature of working with livestock has many safety risks,” Mollhagen says. “That’s why Moly products are engineered to virtually eliminate the need for people to be in with the cattle.” In consideration of this, many livestock handling equipment manufacturers prioritize voluntary flow and having handlers work parallel to the cattle. Because of this, it is no surprise that there are so many options for gates and alleyways – each able to cater to your operation’s working needs. The layout of alleyways and gates is a key piece of the puzzle. Properly designed alleys allow cattle to move naturally and calmly through the system, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Products like TurretGate and the SILENCER hydraulic squeeze chute are examples of a gate and chute system working together to ensure a low-stress, safe working environment for both the livestock and equipment users. Each piece of equipment incorporates multiple safety features, such as those from the list above. Additionally, most modern equipment design allows cattle to see out the side of chutes and alleyways, eliminating the desire to look over the top of the alleyway. This small feature, combined with various others like noise elimination and the hydraulic forward-assist tool, provide a safe and efficient way to move cattle without direct contact by the farm or ranch personnel. Ensuring a Safer Future Innovating livestock handling equipment is an ongoing process that involves continuous improvement. Kade Blake, sales manager and design consultant for Daniels Manufacturing, shares how, with each new product developed, their team utilizes local cattle producers, veterinarians and others to make sure each system operates well. After all, it is important manufacturers hear from the people investing in their products. For most manufacturers, testing new equipment typically means emulating real-world conditions. This helps ensure the equipment not only meets safety criteria but also operates effectively in the environments it is employed in. Langrell also highlights the role of customer feedback in driving innovation at Arrowquip. “We take great pride in solving ranchers’ problems,” he says. “We have always said the perfect chute has not yet been built, and so with our engineers and our customers giving us feedback, we will continue to improve.” As the livestock industry continues to evolve, the importance of safety in handling equipment remains at the forefront. By prioritizing safety features and continuously improving designs, manufacturers play a crucial role in protecting both the people who work with livestock and the animals themselves. At the end of the day, livestock handling is a task that will continue to evolve as our industry progresses. Ensuring user safety and the safety of livestock is necessary for continuing to build on operational and industry efficiencies. “That’s what it is all about – supporting the work of our farmers and ranchers by helping make their workday a little bit easier and a whole lot safer,” Mollhagen concludes. ~NC~
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