Considering this, why are solid sides to chutes recommended when handling cattle?
Solid sides in these areas help prevent cattle from becoming agitated when they see activity outside the fence -- such as people. Cattle tend to be calmer in a chute with solid sides. Cattle move more easily through the curved race system because they can not see people and other distractions ahead.
Beside above, why do cattle follow curves? As the animals go around the curve, they think they are going back to where they came from. The animals can not see people and other moving objects at the end of the chute. It takes advantage of the natural circling behaviour of cattle and sheep.
Likewise, why should cattle chutes be built in a curving pattern so the animals Cannot see where they are going?
Cattle will refuse to go somewhere unless they can see a place to go. The principle of a well-designed curved single file chute is to show the animal there is a place to go but conceal the people who are standing around the squeeze chute.
What is the purpose of a squeeze chute?
A cattle crush (in UK, New Zealand, Ireland and Australia), squeeze chute (North America), standing stock, or simply stock (North America, Ireland) is a strongly built stall or cage for holding cattle, horses, or other livestock safely while they are examined, marked, or given veterinary treatment.
