The Rural Voice, 1987-10, Page 57ADVICE
IMPROVE SHEEP
HANDLING
Provincial sheep specialist Bill
McCutcheon advises all sheep produc-
ers to construct an efficient livestock
handling system.
Many producers, both new and es-
tablished in the industry, become frus-
trated when they cannot effectively
control or move their flock. In addition
to reducing the stress on the flock
owner, a good handling system will
reduce the stress on the animal, increase
the speed at which the flock can be
treated or separated, and reduce the
labour requirements and costs involved.
"If things aren't easy to do, they
don't get done," McCutcheon says.
When the shepherd has well-designed
handling facilities, operations such as
worming, sorting, condition -scoring,
pregnancy testing, weighing, shearing,
and general care and management get
accomplished on time.
Dr. C. D. Hudson of the University
of Melbourne in Australia has been re-
searching various theories and assump-
tions about the design of handling facili-
ties. He offers the following advice.
1. Work sheep through straight
chutes with solid sides. If you are going
to have a curved chute, the corners
should not be greater than 45 degrees.
2. Construct chutes on a flat surface
(first choice) or on ground with a slight
incline (second choice).
3. Train the sheep to use the han-
dling facilities.
4. Provide some light over the work-
ing chute.
5. Move sheep in circles.0
WINTERIZING
YOUR SPRAYER
• Remove and clean all tips and
screens before storing.
• Clean and flush your tank and
plumbing system.
• Wash all external parts.
• Add 5 to 10 gallons (20 to 40litres)
of an alcohol -based anti -freeze to the
tank and circulate it through the system.
• Remove your pump and pressure
gauges and store in a dry environment.
• Lubricate all moving parts.0
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R.R. 5 Goderich, Ont., N7A 3Y2
Phil Clark 519-524-4367
We are ready to receive your
1987
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OCTOBER 1987 55