Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree even livestock.
Livestock stress occurs when livestock is required to make extreme or prolonged adjustments to adapt or cope to their current environment or surroundings. Stress in livestock can weaken immune systems, elevate blood pressure, and contribute to heart, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin conditions.
Implementing the proper level of stress for each individual animal, paying attention to behavioral changes, and following proper handling protocols are important in keeping animals and handlers safe during the process. Stress has a negative impact on all livestock and keeping stress levels down will contribute the livestock’s future well-being.
The goal in any stress-related situation is to limit the amount of stress over a period of time. Animals can endure high stress levels for short periods of time, and low stress levels for longer periods of time. If animals are under high stress conditions, the process needs to be quick and efficient. It is important to note, livestock with limited human interaction react differently than livestock that have been handled properly.
In summary, when we implement low stress handling techniques we protect our livestocks health. One of the best ways we can do that is by working with them in a low stress handling chute system. Most systems are built for cattle, but what about horses?
Equine Solution
We have your equine solution. I have designed and had built a multi-purpose portable "Safe Animal Handling Livestock Chute System" to help reduce stress in livestock as well has help trainers working with tough equines. Simply load the horse in the chute and begin to work on handling from the safety of the chute. Before you know it, your horse will have a halter on and you can begin training. Saving a tremendous amount of time. Time most likely you don't have.
The chute system is a custom designed portable livestock squeeze chute with bar grating floor. This portable livestock squeeze chute was built by WW Manufacturing, a true livestock equipment manufacturer. We have used this chute for cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. The heavy-duty adjustable alley has many potential uses. With the use of hydraulics, this chute can raise one or both ends, set on the ground, hooked up to a pickup and roll down the road.
This all-metal chute has no wood which allows for ease in cleaning and disinfecting as needed between species.
Beyond normal use as a chute system, the 20-foot alley can be turned into a loading chute for easy loading of sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, and other livestock by simply raising one end level to the height of the trailer up to 24 inches. It has 2x2 wire at the bottom to keep smaller livestock from slipping thru the bars. The grated bottom allows us to get livestock out of the dirt and work on them on a clean surface. This chute is equipped with 2-10 foot compartments to separate livestock. Hydraulics are run off a battery with a solar panel to keep it charged and ready for work.
Most portable chute systems are designed primarily for cattle and small livestock and and not tall enough for horses. We designed the portable safe animal handling chute to be tall enough for horses. With it being open and easy to see thru, horses flow right into the chute. For those that are dealing with animals they can’t handle and have no capacity to build a chute system at their facility, this is the perfect solution. Use the chute during cruelty cases, emergency response or where ever you need safe animal handling. Works great for intake exams by for veterinarians.
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July 11-12, 2023
Des Moines, IA
Free Training- A donation to Animal Rescue League of Iowa is appreciated.