Handling of sheep Allah Dad Khan

2. HANDLING
OF SHEEP
BY
ALLAH DAD
KHAN

3. Sheep Yard
 In simple terms, a yard is needed where sheep
can be stored for short periods and then
moved easily and quickly to a work area where
they can be separated into different groups
and handled individually. Based on this idea, it
is probable that no one design is best for all
farms. This is because the yards must be fitted
to the operator, his sheep and the operations
performed on the sheep, and area available for
the yards to be constructed.

4.  The sheep yard is divided into the following parts:
 Storage area. The size will be determined by the number of
sheep that are normally handled as a group. For instance, a
300-ewe flock would require a larger storage area than a ewe
flock having just 100 ewes.
 Drafting chute or race. The sheep move from the storage
area single file into the drafting chute. This allows the
operator to identify the sheep and separate whichever sheep
he wants. An excellent example of the use of this chute is to
sort ewes into breeding groups. The ewes come into the
chute, single file, are identified by ear tag number or paint
brand, and then sorted by use of a drafting gate at the end of
the chute into tow or three different groups. This can be done
by one person, if necessary.

5.  Sheep yards should be designed with the sheep in
mind. Success or failure in getting sheep to flow
through the pens with minimum effort for both sheep
and shepherd is related to basic principles which
should be remembered.
 Sheep will follow one another.
 Sheep prefer to move uphill or up a slight incline vs.
downhill.
 Sheep flow better around slight corners or curves.
 Sheep will move away from things that frighten them.
 Sheep will move toward another sheep or friend.
 Sheep do not like to walk into the sun.

6.  Sheep do all of these things by instinct and
therefore these principles should be fully exploited
in the design of sheep handling facilities. Other
factors to be considered in the selection of a site
for a working facility are:
 It should be centrally located to the sheep
population.
 It should be free draining.
 It should be shaded.
 The chute should run north and south (not east
and west) to avoid sheep moving into the sun.
 It should be convenient for loading and access.

7.  Factors to observe in the facility layouts and
construction:
 Pens should be no larger than necessary.
 Obstructions and sharp edges should be
avoided.
 Rails or sheeting should be on the inside.
 All surfaces should be smooth and timber
splinter free.
 Gates and catches should be easily operated.
 The basic layout should be as simple as
possible.

8.  The sorting race is of utmost importance and should conform
to the following specifications:
 Narrow enough to present sheep singly. (Ideal width from 14
inches for small breeds up to 20 inches for larger breeds.)
 Long enough and permitting an unobstructed view to identify
sheep well in advance. (Fifteen to twenty feet is a good
length.)
 Sides should be smooth and free of projections.
 Sorting gates must present a clear view ahead to the
oncoming sheep.
 Both entry and exit must conform to the principles of sheep
psychology.
 Position of operator must not deter sheep.
 Height of the chute should not interfere with working. (A good
height is 36 inches.)