What Are Chutes?

There are two main types of chutes that are useful in tending to farm animals. Each type controls an animal so they behave in a specific manner at a given time.

  1. Types

    • A squeeze chute holds one animal at a time and keeps them confined in a small area. A roping chute holds a calf or goat in place until the gate opens, allowing them to leave.

    Features

    • Squeeze chutes have wide areas between the bars to allow access to the animals in them, and are available in a straight style or a V shape. Roping chutes are rectangular and are usually solid metal on the bottom half, with bars at the top.

    Significance

    • A squeeze chute is useful when administering wormer to an animal or tending to wounds because it cannot harm the person performing the task. The sides depress in to hold the animal still. A roping chute is either mechanically opened by depressing a bar, or they can swing open by pulling a rope attached to them. They are used for calf and goat roping practices and competitions.

    Variations

    • The sides of a squeeze chute depress inward holding the animal while creating support for sick or hurt animals that cannot stand very long. A roping chute can open on either the shorter sides or the longer sides, depending on which way it is facing in an arena.

    Considerations

    • A chute of any type needs to accommodate all animal sizes as needed. It should be tall enough so animals do not try to jump over the walls and injure themselves, and the metal bars and/or wire squares should not allow them to get their feet caught.