Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes

Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes — Livestock Guards

Various models of livestock guards are available and can be applied in different ways. The basic objective of a cattle guard is to allow the farmer/rancher to pass through a fenced livestock area without having to open and close a traditional gate, while simultaneously keeping the livestock from passing through. If the guard is properly designed to contain a particular animal, the cattle would get their feet (i.e., hooves) caught in the guard when trying to pass over it. Cattle guards are usually applied on the ground surface. Sometimes cattle guards are placed over a shallow pit or have a supporting structure underneath them to raise them slightly above the ground surface.

Some livestock guards are designed to limit the size of vehicles they allow to pass, such as an ATV cattle guard. Other livestock guards are wide enough to allow pickup trucks, tractors, and even large farm implements to pass through them.

Livestock guards are more likely to be found in southern and western areas of the United States. The reasoning for this differs, but as one farmer told us, "that is just the way my grand dad did things".

Example Livestock Guards:

	The Texas "Portable" Pitless Cattle Guard (from HiQual) can be set up when and where needed.
	A hydraulic Cattle Guard (from Richardson Farm Supply) uses a raised bridge which deters cattle but is supported by the ground when vehicles pass over.

Livestock Gates:

While livestock guards work well in many situations, a livestock gate with a gate latch is more commonly used to allow the farmer/rancher to pass through a fenced livestock area. Livestock gates with latches are also preferred over livestock guards for use inside barns, smaller paddock/fenced areas, loading chutes, and corrals.

The variation in livestock gates and gate latches is almost endless. Livestock gates and gate latches sometimes consist of whatever material is most readily available to farmers/ranchers when they construct or design their fenced livestock areas. If a livestock gate is to be used frequently (i.e., entrance to a barn yard or feedlot area), certainly the type of gate and gate latching used should be carefully considered, especially if the farmer/rancher has a disability which affects his/her mobility or strength.

Farmers/ranchers with a mobility or lack-of-strength issue would certainly benefit from a gate which easily (i.e., requires minimal effort) latches and opens/closes, or perhaps from a gate that swings freely or is automatically opened/closed. This style of free swinging or automatic gate would allow a farmer/rancher to drive their truck or tractor through the gate without having to get out of or off of their vehicle. Whenever automatic "powered" gates are installed, the farmer/rancher needs to be aware of the additional safety issues resulting from a powered auto-opening/closing gate structure.

When choosing gates and gate latches, remember that livestock, especially cattle, are curious creatures that often investigate fence oddities and use stationary structures to rub against. Therefore, be careful that gate latches are not too easily operated so that when a cow rubs against them, the gate will not inadvertently open. This would be especially important if the gate opens to a nearby busy highway or to a very remote area of your farm/ranch operation.

Example Livestock Gates:

	Standard "pipe" livestock gate with wrapped chain latch is the most common gate (available at most farm supply stores).
	This drive through electric gate by Koehn allows the operator to pass through the gate without getting out of or off their vehicle.
	The Mighty Mule Powered gate opener feature is designed for home, farm or ranch use on single or dual swing gates from 3.5 to 16 feet in length.

Example Livestock Latches:

	Close-up of a wrapped chain latch (available at most farm supply stores).
	Hop Lock Spring Loaded Latch (from Duffy Manufacturing) provides easy closure with positive locking.
	Quick Gate Latch (from RAMMfence) can withstand incredible abuse. The latch is rust proof and easy to open with one hand.
	Sure-Latch gate latch can be opened with one hand and supports the gate when closed.
	Sure-Latch gate latch showing both sides of the latch and the gate connector which allows the gate to swing either way.

BACK: Focus on Livestock Behavior

NEXT: State Project Feature—Connecting with MAP

In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story—Maintaining a Way of Life in Minnesota Section 2: Focus on Livestock Behavior Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes	Section 4: State Project Feature—Connecting with MAP Section 5: Resources