Sheep handling systems beneficial

Sheep handling systems exploiting natural behaviour could have financial and performance benefits, according to EBLEX.

With labour accounting for more than 25% of total flock costs, better handling systems could improve profitability by reducing time taken to carry out routine procedures such as shearing and drenching.

Well-organised handling systems can also reduce operator stress while minimising injury risks, adds EBLEX beef and sheep scientist Liz Genever. She says good handling systems should harness flock behaviour which leads individuals to group together when faced with a new threat and follow established leaders.

She also says familiarising sheep with the yard and race layout is important. The latest EBLEX Better Returns Programme manual recommends paying particular attention to:

• Sound, slightly upward sloping surfaces without gratings or false floors

• Good lighting in covered areas to avoid dark corners or shadows

• Solid race sides in areas which block views of stationary sheep or human legs

• Open pen sides in areas which give views of exits and moving sheep after treatment

• Minimum unnatural noise levels – including shouting, banging and clanging; and

• Smooth working gates and animal-safe barriers without snags, gaps or sharp mesh