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Recommendations for the construction and use of
surrounding yards and races
(adapted from "Behavioral Principles of Livestock Handling" by Temple Grandin)
Race construction leading up to the Sheep Auto Drafter
Sides
Sheep have a wide visual field. The width is affected by the amount of wool they
have on their head and ranges from 191 to 306 degrees. Any handling races,
including the race leading up to the Sheep Auto Drafter, should have solid side
walls to prevent animals from seeing distractions outside the race. Any moving
objects, (e.g. people, flapping objects or a coat hung on a race fence) seen
through the sides of a race can cause balking or frighten sheep. Solid side walls
are especially important if animals are unaccustomed to the facility.
Layout
Curved single file races are recommended for moving sheep up to the Sheep
Auto Drafter. A curved race is more efficient for two reasons. Firstly, it prevents
the animal from seeing what is at the other end of the race until it is almost
there. Secondly, it takes advantage of the natural tendency of sheep to circle
around a handler moving along the inner radius of the race.
Width
Ideally the race will be designed in a way that organises sheep into single file by
the time they reach the junction with the Sheep Auto Drafter. This helps to
ensure that only one sheep enters the Sheep Auto Drafter at a time and makes
stock flow smoother. As sheep can be of varying sizes, (e.g. adult sheep and
lambs), it is useful to have a race with adjustable sides in the final lead up (the
last 180cm). However if the race width is fixed, approximately 50 cm is the
recommended width. This is the same dimension as the internal edge of the
Sheep Auto Drafter entry gate surround.
Materials
The materials the surrounding races are made of have the potential to affect the
reliability of the RFID reader. Metal components are best avoided if possible,
particularly if they rub together, as this can cause interference in the signal
between the reader and the EID.
Vision and lighting
Where the Sheep Auto Drafter is positioned illumination should be uniform and
diffuse, much like a bright cloudy day. Shadows and bright spots should be
minimised.
Sheep have a tendency to move from dim areas to brighter areas, provided the
light is not glaring in their eyes. Situate the Sheep Auto Drafter to take advantage
of natural light. Skylights, combined with other natural lighting, can even out
Page 12
3E2374 Sheep Auto Drafter User Manual
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