Forfar-based manufacturer Ritchie has launched a novel cattle-handling system that is claimed to boost farm safety.

Called the Stock Cube, it is designed to cut the toll of injuries and deaths caused to stock handlers, which has increased by 10% in the past 10 years.

Self-contained and moveable from site to site, the Stock Cube unfolds to provide a free-standing stock pen with curved sweep area and a secondary gate that enables the stockman to be positioned behind the stock.

Used with either a fixed or mobile cattle crate, the system is said to give a safe, adaptable add-on to upgrade existing farm units or to provide a standalone unit.

The 3.2×2.5m cube unfolds to a size of 3.2×5.5m and can hold stock of various sizes and weights. It is designed to reduce stress to the animals contained and improve the safety of the operator, and the collecting area has a curved sheeted sweep area so cattle move towards the exit naturally.

There are no corner traps, says the company, so stock move willingly through the raceway and curiosity to see what’s around the corner keeps them moving.

Twenty 2.5m-long hurdles can be stored and transported within the Stock Cube, with the whole unit designed to be loaded and handled by forklift. Included within the penning area are fast-exit side gates that enable a single operator to be in control of the system while having access to a secured animal.

The unit is made of galvanised heavy-duty steel and costs £4,300.

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