Winning crate puts squeeze on
It was developed by Premier Livestock Handling proprietor George Clark, who said the idea emerged when he was working alone on his smallholding.
Front and rear sections operate independently, providing multi angular squeeze action.
The rear section squeezes to prevent the animal reversing out of the crate and the front section can be squeezed to secure the animal, for improved safety and ease, particularly for those working alone.
It is now thought to be of particular benefit to apply slight squeeze pressure in order to help calm and reassure cattle while necessary, and often difficult, tasks — such as belly clipping — are carried out.
The design allows total access to the lower half of the animal.
The rubber matted floor minimises noise and helps keep the animals calm.
A greatly increased first time capture rate is claimed, particularly with quiet or stubborn cattle.
EID panels can be fitted to give fast, accurate electronic recording of weights and tag numbers.
* Last year’s AgriScot new product winner was SpermVital from Geno, a patented product that extends the life of sperm inside the cow’s reproductive tract, increasing the chances of conception.
