When weighing livestock like cattle and sheep, the setup usually falls into two categories: permanent squeeze chute scales (for cattle) or portable crate scales (for sheep and goats).
To ensure the safety of both the animal and the operator, the fencing and enclosure must be robust enough to handle "flight zone" behaviors.
1. Cattle Weighing Specifications
Cattle require high-tensile strength materials because they can easily bend light-duty panels when spooked.
The Scale Base
- Type: Heavy-duty load bars (usually 33" to 40" long) placed under a squeeze chute or a custom platform.
- Capacity: Minimum 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) to account for the weight of the animal plus the heavy steel head gate/chute.
Fence & Cage Specs
- Height: Minimum 1.6m to 1.8m (63" to 70") to prevent jumping.
- Material: Galvanized steel tubing, minimum 50mm (2") diameter with a wall thickness of at least 3mm.
- Rail Spacing: 6 to 7 rails. Bottom rails should be closer together (approx. 15cm apart) to prevent calves from slipping legs through.
- Width: The internal width should be 70cm to 75cm (approx. 28"). If it's too wide, the animal may try to turn around and get stuck.
2. Sheep & Goat Weighing Specifications
Sheep scales are often mobile and prioritize speed of throughput.
The Scale Base
- Type: Integrated "weigh crate" or a platform with 60cm load bars.
- Capacity: 300 kg to 500 kg (660 lbs to 1,100 lbs) is sufficient for individual animals.
Fence & Cage Specs
- Height: 0.9m to 1.0m (35" to 40").
- Material: Lightweight aluminum or thin-walled galvanized steel for portability.
- Sheeted Sides: Highly recommended. Sheep move better through "blind" alleys where they cannot see out the sides; it keeps them focused on the exit gate.
- Anti-Backing Flaps: Essential for sheep leads. These are spring-loaded "fingers" that allow the sheep to push forward but prevent them from backing out of the scale.
3. Comparison Table: Livestock Scale Systems
|
Feature |
Cattle System |
Sheep System |
|
Load Bar Length |
1000mm (40") |
600mm (24") |
|
Material |
Heavy Steel (Grade 350+) |
Aluminum or Light Steel |
|
Gate Style |
Sliding or Heavy Swing |
Quick-release "Guillotine" |
|
Floor |
Cleated Steel or Heavy Rubber |
Mesh or Treadplate |
|
Key Tech |
Dynamic Weighing (filters out movement) |
EID Tag Reading (for fast batches) |
4. Critical Design Tips
- The "V" Shape: For sheep, a V-shaped profile (narrower at the bottom) prevents them from turning around.
- Level Ground: Load bars must be on a level concrete pad. Even a slight incline can cause "weight transfer" errors where the sensors don't register the full load.
- No "Binding": Ensure the fence/cage sitting on the scale is not touching any external stationary fences. If it "rubs," the weight will be inaccurate.
Note on Safety: Always include a "man-gate" or a quick-escape gap in your cattle pen design near the scale area in case an operator needs to exit the flight zone quickly.