More frequent handling of cattle for bovine TB testing – not to mention routine veterinary tasks – is largely behind the development of remote controls for cow crushes. And with fewer people working on farms, safety is a priority too.

Jones of Lydham

“Our remote option is mainly aimed at controlling the flow of cattle,” says Pete Jones, whose Jones of Lydham engineering business in Shropshire manufactures the Morris range of sheep and cattle handling systems.

“We already have hydraulic operation of the head yoke and chin scoop by levers,” he points out. “But having remote control of the sliding door at the back of the crush and hydraulic doors at the end of the feed race makes it easier to manage the flow of animals into the system.”

The flagship mobile handling system exhibited at the show includes a power squeeze crush with panels that swing inwards and forwards to hold an animal securely and discourage it from struggling.

A good-sized gap between the head yoke assembly and the side gate is designed to provide clear and convenient access to the animal’s neck for TB testing.

Six gates carried on either side of the race section swing out to form a pen, and a forcing gate is included so that animals can be contained within a progressively smaller area.

Prices for a hydraulic squeeze crush start at £8,250; the mobile handling system on show is priced around £15,500.

Tony Binns Livestock Equipment

Unlike most squeeze crushes, which have panels swinging in on a horizontal plane, the panels on the Cattle Squeeze Crush from Tony Binns Livestock Equipment move upwards as they swing in.

“I realised the advantages of this seeing buffalo being handled in North America,” says Mr Binns. “It takes the weight of the beast’s feet and they are then much less likely to struggle.”Also, there are no hinges swinging round to catch the animal’s feet.”

Electronic remote control of hydraulic functions on his squeeze crush include the rear sliding door, squeeze panels and head yoke.

“It means you catch cattle without going near them, and in particular without going near their head,” Tony Binns says. “It’s safer, the cattle don’t thrash about and it results in a calmer handling process.”

With a vet kiosk included, the Cattle Squeeze Crush retails for £8,500.

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