Homemade Cattle Stanchion

Cattle stanchions are used by stock men to hold a cow in place for milking or medical treatment. Construction of the stanchion is usually of heavy iron or steel, since cattle are large animals and can exert immense pressure on equipment. In dairy operations, the stanchion is often a part of the milking parlor and includes a feed source to keep the animal distracted during the milking process.

  1. Homemade Cattle Stanchion

    • There are plans for cattle stanchions available from several state extension offices. Designs vary from dairy operations, where the stanchion holds the cow in place during milking, to beef cow operations, where the stanchion is often part of a squeeze chute and is used for vaccinations and other medical procedures.

      No matter how it is used, the design of a stanchion is consistent. The device provides an opening large enough for the cow to place its head through. The stanchion then closes around the neck of the animal to hold it in place and keep it from moving forward or backward. Commercial stanchions are often self-closing, with the action triggered by the animal striking the frame work of the stanchion. Many home-built stanchions are manually closed.

      Louisiana State University AgCenter includes stanchions as part of their plans for a dairy cow stall. The size of the stalls and stanchions are based on the weight of the cattle in the herd. Construction materials include cement for the floor of the stall and feed bunks and steel pipe for dividers and the stanchions. This type of design is used in a dairy confinement barn.

      The University of Arizona Extension Service includes homemade stanchions as part of a publication titled "Cattle Working Facilities." The stanchion is part of a squeeze shoot assembly used to treat beef cattle and calves.

      As part of a squeeze chute, the stanchion holds the animal's head while the sides of the chute are brought toward it, effectively immobilizing the animal. This allows the animal to be held stationary enough for medical procedures of injections.

      The heaviest possible materials should be used in the construction of a stanchion or chute. Cattle can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds and can put immense pressure on devices meant to immobilize them.

      Failure of any cattle handling equipment can lead to injuries of the animals and the people working around them.