Loading ramp for cattle

[Billy Sugger]

hi can't believe not discussed previously. But I'm after ideas for loading cows etc on lorries. We want to build ramp to platform that is at tail gate height .With holding pen.

Incidentally I loaded some calves on a right angle so they didn't know where they were going until last second. They went up so fast didn't have time to count them !
Tempted by Kiwi method -one at a time !
But ideas that don't involve sticks or baler twine gratefully received !
It is our most dangerous task !
Cheers Billy

 

[GenuineRisk]

Loading is always an interesting one! We load TB yearlings using the right angle method and straw bales as 'walls'. One of the biggest and most simple mistakes I think we all make is to not ensure that the covering of the ramp is the same as inside box and on path leading to ramp. I know it's more work and messy but if you cover everything with either straw or shavings, you'll get far less loading hassle - bovines or equines - there's just less to spook at.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

One at a time works best as they follow each other into the trailer, just don't send the wildest/most awkward one first!

 

[GTB]

We find cattle will always go into a dirty trailer better than a clean and shiny one. I know this isn't always possible/practical/legal but it is true. We don't have a ramp here but we have an 8' wide pen that we load from which is filled from another slightly bigger pen. Works very well.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I've been watching videos on American feed lots, all their transporters use a man sized loading door rather than a full width one. With the vast numbers they move each day they must have things right. Never seen one like this in the uk.
Perhaps one for @JP1

 

[polk_farmer]

Like the chicken and the egg situation I guess. You need a lorry with a single door on it, also need farmers to have the elevated single lane ramps. Can't have one without the other