- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - - (CLF3000) Advanced Core Cluster: ANIMAL SCIENCE (CLF3100) Unit Title: LIVESTOCK TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND RESTRAINT ____________________________________________________________________________ (CLF3101) Topic: LIVESTOCK TOOLS Time Year(s) & EQUIPMENT 3 hours 3 / 4 ____________________________________________________________________________ Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: Learning Outcome #: (A-1) - Name and demonstrate the use of tools commonly used to restrain farm animals. Special Materials and Equipment: Have common livestock handling tools on display before class begins. References: Ensminger, M.E. (1983). THE STOCKMAN'S HANDBOOK. "GUIDE FOR THE CARE AND USE OF AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TEACHING". (March 1988, 1st ed.). Evaluation: Quiz on information discussed in lecture and an oral quiz on any examples of equipment used in class. TOPIC PRESENTATION: LIVESTOCK TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT A. Introduction 1. Handlers should be aware of climatic and environmental extremes and provide appropriate shelter and care to minimize stress to the animal. Examples include: a. extreme heat, b. extreme cold and wind, and c. excess moisture. 2. Size of animal pens should be based on body size, age, behavior, health and weather. 3. Livestock equipment refers to items other than barns or shelters used in the care and management of animals. 4. Maintenance of tools, equipment, and fencing should be done on a timely and continuous basis. B. Beef Cattle 1. Scales: a. Used to weigh single animals or groups of animals, any feed rations, or supplies. b. Should be located in convenient working areas. 2. Corrals: a. Each cow/calf pair needs about 300 sq.ft. of space, depending on drainage, dust, and pollution. b. Cattle need to have the opportunity for behavioral thermoregulation, like access to a windbreak, sunshade, or man- made shelter. c. Cattle need unlimited access to feed, water, and resting sites. d. Steers can live with 150-200 sq.ft. of space. 3. Fencing: The height depends on the animals to be fenced in; for cattle the fence should be approximately 50-60 inches high. Different types of fencing materials are available. Examples include: a. wood, b. wire or cable (allowing for natural airflow in the summer), and c. steel rails or aluminum panels. 4. Feedbunks: a. Each cow needs approximately 24-30 in. of space. b. An 8 ft. platform (apron) should extend away from the feed bunk. This platform should be cleaned often and if made of concrete, it should be grooved to assure adequate footing. 5. Water troughs: a. Cows need access to water at all times. b. One foot of space per 8 cows is sufficient. c. Water should be available in adequate amounts to supply 20 gallons per head daily. 6. Maternity stalls: a. Used for private calving during winter months. b. Should be 100-120 sq.ft. each. 7. Hospital Area: a. This area is used to isolate sick or injured animals. b. This makes livestock easier to observe and care for, and keeps them away from the healthy stock. 8. Miscellaneous Items: a. Squeeze chute - used to restrain animals for treatment, branding, ear-tagging, dehorning, and other management practices. b. Nose tongs - blunt pincers used in the nose to immobilize the head of cattle. c. Halter - used to restrain the head. d. Burdizzo - used to perform bloodless castration. e. Emasculator - a crushing and cutting instrument used for castration. f. Elastrator - used for castration (using small rubber bands). g. Cauterizing iron - used for de-horning to stop bleeding and kill growth cells. C. Sheep 1. Corrals: a. Allow 10-12 sq.ft. of space per ewe and lamb. b. Allow 4-5 sq.ft. of space per feeder lamb. c. Approximately 100 pregnant ewes can be together, but not more than 50 ewe and lamb pairs should be together. d. Sheep with horns, heavy fleece, and those in late gestation require additional space. e. Sheep are social animals (and often stupid!), so they should be kept in groups to avoid stress. 2. Feed bunks: a. Each ewe needs 12 inches of space. b. Each lamb needs 6 inches of space. 3. Waterers: a. Automatic waterers are convenient and efficient. b. They should be located opposite the feed bunk to prevent contamination from animal waste. 4. Miscellaneous Items: a. Shepherd's Crook - used to catch and immobilize sheep. b. Burdizzo - used for castration and docking of tails by clamping. c. Elastrator - used for castration and docking of tails (rubber bands). d. Paint brands - used to mark ewes and lambs with identification numbers. D. Swine 1. Farrowing Crates: a. Are used to allow sows to give birth to pigs without crushing young piglets. b. Confines the sow so she is available for safe nursing by her young, and gives room for the piglets to move away after nursing. c. May be built or purchased and should be 24 in. x 7 ft. in size for the sow, plus additional width on both sides to protect the piglets and handler if the sow is aggressive (5 ft. x 7 ft. total). d. Use guard rails along the inside perimeter of the crate to keep the piglets from being crushed under the mother or against the wall. e. Have slotted floors (1 inch slots) which should be at the rear of the sow to allow waste removal (must be non-slippery and non-abrasive.) Crate materials include: 1) perforated, woven, or plastic-coated metal; 2) fiberglass, 3) concrete, 4) metal bars, or a combination of the above materials. 2. Self feeders: a. Allow market hogs to consume feed at will. b. Come in many sizes and the choice of size depends on the swine operation and personal preference. 3. Pens: a. The size of the pen varies according to the size of the operation and personal preference. b. They should be sturdy and well constructed so that the pigs do not root under or lift up the fencing. The following table offers some pen size suggestions: ================================================================== | | Size of animal | Sq.ft. | Height of pen __________________|____________________|___________________________ | | 21 - 75 lbs. | 5 - 6 | 30" 76 - 125 lbs. | 6 - 7 | 33" 125 - 250 lbs. | 8 - 10 | 36" Sows | 18 - 20 | 36" Boars | 15 - 20 | 36" | | ================================================================== 4. Waterers: a. Automatic waterers and "lix-its" work most effectively and one or more (depending on pen size) should be installed away from the feeder area. b. One watering device is adequate for 20 pigs. 5. Miscellaneous Items: a. Snare - allows swine to be restrained for treatment. b. Cane - helps to move swine from one location to another. c. Boards and panels - help to move hogs. d. Five gallon bucket - placed over the hog's head to facilitate moving the hog, by backing him up in the direction you want him to go. 5/2/90sg #%&C