AU2011244933A1

AU2011244933A1 - Livestock handling system

Info

Publication number: AU2011244933A1
Application number: AU2011244933A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Elizabeth May Firth; Philip Malcolm Firth
Original assignee: FIRTH ELIZABETH
Current assignee: FIRTH ELIZABETH
Priority date: 2011-01-06
Filing date: 2011-11-02
Publication date: 2012-07-26
Also published as: AU2011101743A4

Abstract

C :RPorbIflDCC\CABU8685J6_l.DOC-II1/2011 Livestock handling system comprising a holding enclosure which includes a plurality of barriers arranged to provide for a holding zone, an entrance to the holding zone and an exit from the holding zone. The system further includes a transfer apparatus at the exit and comprising a main body providing for a livestock passageway through which livestock can pass from the exit and a walkway extending laterally with respect to the livestock flow way.

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Livestock handling system The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0 1l 5102 C :WRPorbl\DCC\CAB3868516_1 DOC-1/1 l2011 LIVESTOCK HANDLING SYSTEM Technical Field 100011 This invention relates generally to the handling of animals such as livestock including by way of example only cattle, sheep and the like. Background of the Disclosure [00021 Livestock races are used for transferring livestock from one location to another and generally comprise fences or panels arranged to form a narrow passage through which the livestock can travel. At the upstream end of the race a forcing pen is often provided. The forcing pen is usually provided with a moveable gate which can be moved so as to urge the livestock into the race. Forcing pens substantially increase the operator's work load and can sometimes put the operator in a dangerous situation particularly when handling large animals such as cattle. Livestock handling systems are important in ensuring that the condition of the animals is maintained. There is a need for more efficient handling systems which provide for animal and operator safety. Summary of the Disclosure [00031 According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a livestock handling system which comprises a holding enclosure which includes a plurality of barriers arranged so as to provide for a holding zone, an entrance to the holding zone and an exit from the holding zone, a transfer apparatus at the exit which comprises a main body providing for a livestock passageway through which livestock can pass from the exit and a walkway extending laterally with respect to the livestock passageway.

C WRPbl\DCC\CAR1868516k DOC-1 /1I 2011 -2 100041 In use the transfer apparatus is arranged adjacent a livestock race along which the livestock can travel. The walkway enables operators to pass through the transfer apparatus without having to walk around the race or the holding enclosure. Livestock races are often relatively long so as to encourage a flow of animals along the race. [00051 In one form the enclosure comprises opposed side sections and opposed end sections. The enclosure may be any suitable shape such as square, rectangular or circular when viewed in plan. The entrance to the holding enclosure may be disposed at one of the end sections and the exit may be disposed in one of the side sections adjacent the entrance on the end section. A gate may be provided for opening and closing the entrance. 100061 In one embodiment the or each barrier forming the end section remote from the entrance is configured so that it provides for a substantially unimpeded line of sight for the livestock within the holding zone; that is the livestock can at least partially see through the or each barrier. To this end the or each barrier may be in the form of a railing fence section although it could take many other forms. The other barriers may be configured so as to provide for a substantially restricted line of sight for livestock within the holding zone. For example the barriers may include fencing sections with panels thereon which block or limit the line of sight of the animals. [0007] In one form the transfer apparatus may comprise a main body having opposed ends and sides, the livestock passageway extending between the ends and the walkway extending laterally thereto between the sides. 100081 The main body may be in the form of a frame having spaced apart openings at each end forming the livestock passageway therebetween. Further openings are provided on each side of the transfer apparatus with the walkway therebetween. Preferably gates are provided to enable the livestock pathway and the walkway to be opened and closed. [00091 In one form the apparatus may comprise a first gate operatively mounted to the frame, the first gate being positioned in use adjacent the exit and being adapted for C :RPor1 t lCC\CAB8816_ IDOC-l/ 1/2011 -3 movement between a closed position in which the exit is closed and an open position in which the exit is open. Preferably, when the first gate is in the open position, the first gate provides a barrier which at least partially closes the walkway. The transfer apparatus may further include a second gate spaced from the first gate when in the open position the walkway being between the gates. [00101 The transfer apparatus may further include a third gate space from the exit, the first and third gates when in open positions providing for a livestock passageway through the transfer apparatus. 100111 In one form, the frame may comprise opposed spaced apart ends and opposed spaced apart sides which are arranged to border an internal space. Each side and end may have an opening therein for providing access to the internal space. The gates may be arranged to selectively open and close the openings. [00121 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a transfer apparatus suitable for use with a holding enclosure of the type described above. The transfer apparatus may take the form as that described above in its broadest or more specific forms. [00131 According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of handling livestock using a system as described above in its broadest or more specific forms comprising the steps of enabling the livestock to pass into the holding enclosure through the entrance and thereafter closing the entrance, and causing the cattle to proceed through the exit and the livestock passageway in the transfer apparatus. [00141 Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

C URPnbIl\DCC\CAB\38685161 DOC-1/ 112011 -4 Description of the Figures [00151 The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments: Fig. 1 is a schematic isometric view of livestock handling system according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is an end elevation of exit apparatus which forms part of the livestock handling system; Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figs. 2 and 3; and Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the apparatus shown in Figs. 2 to 4; and Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic plan views showing how the livestock handling system operates. Detailed Description [00161 Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. I a livestock handling system 10 which comprises a holding enclosure 12 and a transfer apparatus 30. The enclosure 12 comprises a series of barriers 13, 14, 15 and 16 forming opposed sides of the enclosure and barriers 17 and 18 forming opposed ends of the enclosure. Barrier 17 is in the form of a gate 21 which closes an entrance 20 (Fig. 6) through which livestock can enter the enclosure. An exit 22 is provided in one of the sides immediately adjacent the entrance 20. As is illustrated barriers 13, 14, 15 and 16 as well as gate 31 are provided with panels 25 which limit the sight line of the livestock. Barrier 18 at the end of the enclosure remote from entrance 20 provides for at least partial unrestricted vision for the livestock; that is, C:\NRPonbJ\DCC\CAB\38685161 DOC-/l 11/2011 -5 barrier 18 does not have a sight limiting panel. Exit 20 also provides for at least partial unrestricted vision for the livestock. The barriers in the form shown are fencing components comprising a series of horizontal extending bars or rails and vertical uprights. The enclosure 12 and transfer apparatus 30 may be in the form of a portable arrangement or be a fixed substantially permanent structure. 100171 As illustrated in detail in Figs. 2 to 5 the transfer apparatus 30 comprises a main body 32 in the form of a frame 38 constructed from upright members and cross-members. The main body 32 or frame 38 comprises opposed spaced apart ends 33 and 35 having openings 46 and 47 therein, and opposed spaced apart sides 37 and 39 having openings 48 and 49 therein. The sides 37 and 39 together with the ends 33 and 35 provide for a space 41 bounded by the sides and ends. The openings 46 and 47 in ends 33 and 35 provide for a livestock passageway through the space 41 from one end 33 to the other end 35. The livestock passageway is identified by arrow 34 in Fig. 4. The openings 48 and 49 in sides 37 and 39 provide for a pedestrian walkway through the space 41 from one side 37 to the other side 39. The pedestrian walkway is identified by arrow 36 in Fig. 4. [0018] The apparatus further includes a gate 43 which is hingedly mounted to the main body 32 or frame 38 at hinge points 52 so that it swings between an open position in which the opening 48 on side 37 is open and a closed position as shown in Fig. 5. A further gate 40 is hingedly mounted to the main body 32 or frame 38 at hinge points 54 (only one hinge point can be seen in Fig. 5). Gate 40 is adapted for movement between a first position in which it closes opening 46 and a second position in which it closes opening 49. Fig. 5 illustrates gate 40 in the second position. In this position opening 46 is open and in the first position opening 46 is closed and opening 49 is open. A further gate 42 is arranged to open and close opening 47. This gate is in the form of a sliding gate mounted for sliding movement relative to the main body 32 or frame 38. The gate includes a handle 56 for enabling manual operation of the gate 42. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the transfer apparatus 30 when in use is positioned between exit 22 of the holding enclosure 12 and a livestock race 60 with opening 46 being immediately adjacent exit 22.

C -NRPorbl\DCC\CAB\3R685161 DOC-1/l 112011 -6 [0019] The livestock handling system further includes a platform 50 which is disposed adjacent one side of the enclosure and adjacent the transfer apparatus 30. [00201 As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, when in operation livestock such as cattle are caused to enter the enclosure 12 from one end 17 through entrance 20 whereafter the entry gate 21 is closed. The end 18 opposite the entry gate allows the animals to see out of the enclosure and they naturally tend to walk towards that end. Once they reach the end 18 of the enclosure and cannot move any further there is a natural tendency for the animals to turn back in the direction from where they came. 100211 By the time the cattle have turned the entrance gate 21, to the enclosure has been closed and the only exit route is through the exit 22. This system provides for a continuous flow of the livestock into the handling race. The livestock pass through the exit 22 and through the openings in the ends of the transfer apparatus along the livestock passageway. As will be appreciated at this stage both gate 40 is in the second position and 42 is open providing for a clear passageway through which the livestock can pass into the race 60. [00221 In use a livestock handler can urge the livestock into the enclosure via entrance 20 and once the livestock are in the enclosure can close gate 21. The livestock handler can then cross to the platform 50 via the walkway 36 and thereafter assist in directing the livestock through the transfer apparatus via the livestock passageway 34 and along race 60. The system has the advantage that there is no need for a force pen and results in an efficient manner of handling the livestock. Generally, only a single livestock handler is needed. [00231 In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", C \NRPorbl\DCC\CAB\3868516_ .DOC-I /11/2011 -7 "below", "upper" and "lower" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. [0024] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 10025] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. 100261 In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. [00271 Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

1. Livestock handling system comprising a holding enclosure which includes a plurality of barriers arranged to provide for a holding zone, an entrance to the holding zone and an exit from the holding zone, a transfer apparatus at the exit and comprising a main body providing for a livestock passageway through which livestock can pass from the exit and a walkway extending laterally with respect to the livestock flow way.

2. Livestock handling system according to claim 1 wherein the walkway is closed when the livestock passageway is open.

3. Livestock handling system according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the enclosure comprises opposed side sections and opposed end sections, the entrance being at one of the end sections and the exit being adjacent the entrance at one side thereof.

4. Livestock handling system according to claim 3 including a gate for opening and closing the entrance.

5. Livestock handling system according to any preceding claim wherein the barrier forming the end remote from the entrance is configured to provide for substantially unimpeded livestock line of sight.

6. Livestock handling system according to any preceding claim wherein the entrance barrier and/or gate and the sides are configured to provide for vision restricted line of sight.

7. Livestock handling system according to any preceding claim wherein the transfer apparatus comprises a frame comprising a first gate adjacent the exit which can move from a closed position in which the exit is closed to an open position in which the exit is open. C.\NRPorbl\DCCCABU68516_ I. DOC-1/I11201 -9

8. Livestock handling system according to claim 7 wherein when said first gate is in the open position, the first gate provides a barrier which at least partially closes the walkway.

9. Livestock handling system according to claim 7 or claim 8 including a second gate spaced from the first gate the walkway being between the two gates.

10. Livestock handling system according to claim 9 including a third gate spaced from the exit, the first and third gates when in open positions provides for the livestock passageway through the transfer apparatus.

11. Livestock handling system according to claim 10 wherein the frame comprises opposed spaced apart ends and opposed spaced apart sides bordering an internal space each side and end having an opening therein for providing access to the internal space.

12. Transfer apparatus for use in a livestock handling system according to any preceding claim, the apparatus comprising a main body having opposed ends and sides, the livestock passageway extending between the ends and the walkway extending between the sides.

13. Transfer apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the walkway is closed when the livestock passageway is open.

14. Transfer apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the transfer apparatus comprises a frame comprising a first gate adjacent the exit which can move from a closed position in which the exit is closed to an open position in which the exit is open. C \NRPortl\DCC\CAB\3868516_ .DOC.I/I 112011 - 10

15. Transfer apparatus according to claim 14 wherein when said first gate is in the open position, the first gate provides a barrier which at least partially closes the walkway.

16. Transfer apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15 including a second gate spaced from the first gate the walkway being between the two gates.

17. Transfer apparatus according to claim 16 including a third gate spaced from the exit, the first and third gates when in open positions provides for the livestock passageway through the transfer apparatus.

18. Transfer apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the frame comprises opposed spaced apart ends and opposed spaced apart sides bordering an internal space each side and end having an opening therein for providing access to the internal space.

19. Livestock handling system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings. 12. Transfer apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.