"Catch And Carry" Mobile Cattle Pen

"Catch And Carry" Mobile Cattle Pen LIVESTOCK Handling 33-6-29 Clayton Rains got the idea for his "Mobile Livestock Clinic" after using a round bale ring attached to a loader to catch cows. "Working on my dad's cattle operation, I knew that roping or chasing hurt or sick cattle wasn't good for them," says Rains. "I figured there had to be a better way." He went on to design a combination catch pen and squeeze chute. Mounted on a front-end loader, the operator can easily catch up to a lame animal and set the corral over them. If necessary, the gate can be opened and the animal driven in to the catch pen. Either way, once inside the animal can't get a head under a panel and lift it up to escape like often happens with a portable corral. The tractor loader holds it in place. "It's also a safe area for checking and tagging baby calves away from the mother," he notes. If transport or a squeeze chute is needed, a floor panel hinged to the loader side of the pen is dropped down on supports. Using the gate as a squeeze panel, the animal is moved onto the floor panel. With the gate locked in place, the floored area becomes a transport chute. Solid panels on the gate, sides and end of the transport area protect the animal from getting a foot through the gate. They also protect anyone working with the animal from being kicked. "Once the animal is in the chute, you can simply pick it up and carry it home," explains Rains. "The first time I used one was to catch a bull that was injured and bring him home. It was easier and safer for him and us." Transport is not recommended unless the unit is equipped with the optional head gate. Other options include quick-tach couplers for a wide variety of loaders. "Some people like them painted a certain color, and we do that too," says Rains. Rains sells his Mobile Clinic mostly by word of mouth. Satisfied users have been his best advertising, but since getting a patent on his invention, he's looking for a manufacturer. Base price on the Mobile Livestock Clinic is $2,600. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Clayton Rains, S&H Farm Supply, Inc., 7 Route A, Lockwood, Mo. 65682 (ph 417 224-7572; clayton.rains@shfarmsupply.com).

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