Introduction

A race is a narrow lane aimed to single profile cattle for further processing, batch treatment or visual inspections. They are typically curved, but can be straight and there are different styles and features.

Description

A race is commonly located prior to a crush or draft and best filled by using a crowd. To gain and maintain a single profile of cattle the race is narrow but it is difficult to have a perfect width as there are many different sizes and ages.

That is why there are different styles to try and achieve this compatibility. The purpose of getting cattle into single profile is to point the cattle in the right direction for processing and overcome their instinctive nature to want to return to where they came from. A curved race also aids in this, as the curve gives the cattle the impression that they are returning to a set point. It is also noted that long straight races have a tendency to speed the cattle up where as a curved one gives an even steady flow.

Applications

A race can be used for multiple tasks. When used as a feeding or indexing unit it can be used in conjunction with crushes, weigh boxes, scanners, loading ramps or drafts, to name a few. It is important in each case to maintain a constant and continuous flow without having to have a large number of staff. Another common task that utilizes a race is spine application treatments such as tick, flies etc. The benefit of batch treatment is that many cattle can be done quickly and efficiently while they are in a relaxed position with their companions.

Inner panel configurations

There are different configurations of races which can favor the type of task you intend to perform. These are broken typically into three different areas depending on how the inner panel (operator’s side) is sheeted.
A fully sheeted race favors tasks where back applications are performed as all fully sheeted races have a catwalk. The full sheeting prevents cattle seeing the operator walking along the catwalk and therefore keeps their stress to a minimum.
A half sheeted race doesn’t have a catwalk allowing livestock flow to be controlled by strategic locations of the operator. Also half sheeting allows side access to livestock and reduces the chances of uncontrolled livestock kicking between the lower rails.
A non sheeted race supports applications where a visual inspection of the lower portion of livestock is required. This may be udder, hoof etc. type applications.

Outer panel

The outer panel of the race is normally fully sheeted, which aids in good livestock flow by overcoming visual distractions that will baulk and frighten them. Outer panels, where possible, are break out gates which aid in the quick removal if livestock goes down or for cleaning inside the race. Each break-out gate is fitted with dual slam latches making it secure so it doesn’t rattle and making it quick and easy to open and close.

Catwalk

Catwalks can have a number of benefits. Not only for spine application but also for when one operator (or induction team) is processing cattle in a crush and another has the sole responsibility of maintaining the constant supply of animals. It is recommended that this person have a continuous and unbroken path between the race, crowd and bugle yard, especially in large operations. It saves them from having to continually get up and down from the crowd catwalk and from crush operators having to control the race as well. All catwalks have handrails for operator safety which meet OH&S requirements. It is important as stated in the Australian Standards that any operator platform that is greater than 300mm above ground level has a handrail.

Race styles

Thompson Longhorn manufactures three different styles of race. These three are Fixed Width, Vee and Adjustable Width. A decision on the most suitable will balance cost against the degree of prevention of animals turning around.
The Fixed Width race offers the most affordable option available in all sheeting configurations. An insert is available to help account for the difference in cattle size between age and breed.
A Vee race tries to accommodate all the different sizes by having a restricted leg room but leaving plenty of room for their bodies. The Vee is available in full and half sheeted configurations. It is important for curved Vee to have conical inner and outer panels as this gives a constant width all the way round, whereas a truncated race varies in width.
An adjustable width race is typically always designed with fully sheeted inner panels and catwalk. The width of the race is pneumatically adjustable and can be done from a remote location. When adjusted to its narrow width it will suit weaners and fully adjusted will suit adult cattle with various widths in between.

Race Options

Like most products that Thompson Longhorn designs, the races have a number of optional extra features. These range from load out with switch gate, waiting bay for crushes etc., anti backing, dual race and a split race. A dual race is two fixed width races side by side sharing a common non sheeted panel. This race is used to feed a single unit (crushes etc.) but helps improve cattle flow. A split race is two races with a splitter gate that can feed two units and is used in a large operation which requires double the through put or where separation is required for two specific process.

Summary:

• Main purpose is for single profiling cattle.
• Used for indexing, batch treatments or visual inspections.
• Inner panels can be full, half or non-sheeted.
• Outer panels are fully sheeted and can be opened for cleaning or livestock removal.
• Catwalk suits back treatments & offers a continuous operator path.
• Catwalks have handrails for OH&S and Australian Standards.
• Three styles, Fixed Width, Vee and Adjustable Width.
• Optional load out, waiting bay, anti backing, dual race and split race.

Features

• Heavy duty frame construction.
• Hot dipped galvanized feet, good for highly corrosive environments.
• Adjustable feet can take variations in slab height. Units need to be plumb for optimal operation of all gates.
• Feet bolted to concrete allowing for removal and locating during installation (after concrete slab is poured).