Can older Highlands use a normal crush/chute

[RedMerle]

What it says above really. Up until now always used a normal crush with no issues. Tried them out through it today after while not going through and their horns are noticeably bigger and they were more reluctant.

Realistically I'm not sure whether I need to get a crush for horned cattle. My concern is the Highland crushes I have looked at are low at the side etc in order to accommodate horns... but these are Highlands... I'm concerned they could jump the gate.

Has anyone any experience of using either a normal crush or a Highland crush and would be willing to post their experiences?

My setup looks like something out of the 1950's, whilst I would like an upgrade they don't throw grants at hobby farmers.

 

[crofteress]

If you spend a lot of time feeding them through the crush and let them take their time they learn how to tilt their heads to get through . Did have a non horned crush and old highland ladies many years ago

 

[cheviot53]

Borrowed a highland crush and the bulling heifers went over the front so had to put bars across to try and stop them ,also used a normal crush to belly clip for killing and some we had to halter over the horns and tie to the crush has they couldn't /wouldn't put their heads through the gate .The crate i borrowed was Ritchie but ive seen an IAE one that looked much better

 

[HarryB97]

Theres a Longhorn cattle crush for sale under 'Livestock for sale & wanted' at the bottom of the home page.

 

[Farmer Fin]

Used then several times for TB testing good lifer highlands. Never an issue jumping out the sides it was always the front door that was the problem. There is a bar you have to swing down to stop then jumping it and to operate it you have to stand at the front in full sight.

 

[Bury the Trash]

Used then several times for TB testing good lifer highlands. Never an issue jumping out the sides it was always the front door that was the problem. There is a bar you have to swing down to stop then jumping it and to operate it you have to stand at the front in full sight.

Ritchie one has got lever on the side , could even be a bit chunkier tube or longer imo.

 

[Farmer Fin]

Ritchie one has got lever on the side , could even be a bit chunkier tube or longer imo.

That’s the crush. By the time you have the leaver they are half over the gate. Plus the gate is held with 1 little pin either side at the bottom. If they hit them with enough force they ping open. It’s fine for quiet cattle but it they are a bit fractious it’s a pain.