Be aware of how livestock see, hear, and react, then plan the system to accommodate these traits. Consider where people working have to be and plan for catwalks, man passes, etc. Plan a system that will let you bring livestock through the components and then bring them back through if needed. For example, if an animal gets through the squeeze chute, you don't want them in a forty-acre field. Allow room for expansion.
Cattle have a panoramic field of vision.
Bright light and shadows can cause them to balk or bolt. Minimize shadows that will be cast across alleyways. The panoramic vision allows them to see behind themselves without turning their heads, so care has to be taken as you move toward them from behind. Loud noises scare livestock. High frequency noises and the sound of cracking whips actually hurt their ears.