Scales should be located where there is proper drainage. Splash plates around the bottom of the scales will prevent waste material from entering the pit. A tipping calf table can greatly increase the ease of handling young calves. The calf table can be a valuable tool when a large number of calves are to be worked. Jobs such as castrating, dehorning and branding can become essentially a one-person operation or up to three people can perform jobs simultaneously.
Most models are reversible and allow calves to be tipped to either the right or left side.
Palpation Cage A palpation cage is frequently overlooked when building handling facilities. However, it is very important because pregnancy testing of brood cows, artificial insemination, castration and emergency procedures require access to the rear of an animal. A palpation gate can be a part of a commercial squeeze chute or can be constructed behind the headgate. The access gate to the palpation cage should be sufficiently wide and hinged so that it completely closes off the working chute behind the worker. A solid catch is essential.