SHARING OPTIONS:
A good handling unit needs to take into account its location and design features to optimise handling efficiency.
Handling facilities are vital to the efficient running of any livestock enterprise. Good handling facilities reduce stress on the animal, prevent the risk of injury and also encourage regular handling of animals for management practices such as administering health treatments and weight recording.
There are a number of aspects that should be borne in mind when designing cattle handling facilities, irrespective of whether grant aid is being sought. The first of these is determining if planning permission is required.
Handling facilities are classified as a Class 8 structure under exempted development planning rules. Other structures in this class include roofless cubicles, open loose yards, self-feed silo or silage areas, feeding aprons, assembly yards, milking parlours or structures for the making or storage o