Are your cattle handling facilities fit for purpose?

Date published: 21 July 2026

“Well-designed facilities make routine tasks easier, reduce labour requirements, improve animal welfare and minimise the risk of injury to both livestock and operators.”

Whether carrying out vaccinations, dosing, pregnancy scanning, TB testing, weighing or loading stock, every livestock enterprise depends on safe and effective handling facilities.

Research continues to improve our understanding of livestock behaviour and handling. Modern handling facilities can be designed or adapted to make routine tasks safer and less stressful for both animals and operators. A handling system should be safe, robust and purpose-built, or appropriately modified, for livestock restraint. Planning the flow of animals from entry to exit is essential, allowing the farmer to carry out tasks efficiently while maintaining the safety of themselves and anyone assisting.

Considering this I ask the question, Are your cattle handling facilities fit for purpose?

During my time as a Beef and Sheep Adviser I have seen significant improvements in cattle handling facilities. While there is no single design that will suit every farm, modern facilities should, wherever possible, provide access to both sides of the animal or include a safe working platform that allows operators to reach across the animal when necessary.

Dr Temple Grandin, a renowned American animal behaviour specialist, has worked with livestock sectors around the world to improve cattle handling facility design. Her work has demonstrated the benefits of full-access crushes, allowing animals to be safely accessed from the front, rear and both sides. Traditional crushes were often positioned against an exterior wall with a restraining gate at the end. Modern thinking, however, recognises that many existing facilities can be improved. Good natural lighting, reduced noise and materials that help absorb sound can all contribute to a calmer environment and a better experience for animals moving through the handling system.

A well-designed handling facility that prioritises both animal welfare and operator safety is an investment that can repay itself through improved animal performance, reduced labour requirements and fewer injuries. Farmers should continue to review and upgrade their handling facilities to improve on-farm safety while supporting better livestock health, welfare and performance.

For further advice on safe cattle handling facilities, contact your local CAFRE Adviser through your local DAERA Direct office.

CAFRE’s Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) are open for a second tranche of applications. The Groups have been developed to support farmers in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of their farm businesses. 

Groups are supported by a CAFRE Adviser who facilitates meetings where members can collaborate, share knowledge and benefit from specialist technical advice.