Novel drafting system won't scare sheep

An automated sheep drafting system that can be thrown on the back of a ute, is quiet enough to avoid scaring sheep and is built of moulded plastics was launched by Gallaghers at this year's Mystery Creek Fieldays. Marking the company's first foray into sheep handling devices, the auto drafter links Gallagher's weigh scale and RFlD technology to physical handling equipment.

"The key difference to all the other drafting equipment oul there is that the auto drafter is built from rotationally moulded plastics that make it lighter and quieter than conventional sheep drafting products, says Peter Nation, Gallagher national sales manager for animal management systems.

He says the company was adamant it did not want to design simply another "me too" drafting system when it embarked on the project two years ago.

Intensive research and development on the plastics used within the drafter included putting the floor in place at Hellaby's meat processing plant in Auckland to endure 250,000 sheep crossings.

The sample, as evidenced at Mystery Creek, experienced minimal wear and plays a key part in keeping the unit's weight at only 100kg. "We basically wanted it to be a drafter that two blokes could lift it, fit onto a ute and drive off with," says Nation.

The plastic design also means the drafter generates no electronic "noise" that metal frames can create, eliminating interference with RFID equipment fitted for stock identification and drafting.

"Robo" sheep were used to test the integrity of the revolutionary rotationally moulded design, with repeated smashing into the unique drafting doors that are another key feature of the design.

Built·in load cell sensors not only detect sheep weight, but also determine the opening and closing of the front and rear drafting gates, without requiring operator intervention.

Using the load cells for door opening as well as weighing eliminates the need for the more conventional "magic eye" beam, which can be susceptible to becoming covered in dirt.

The absence of metal components means the drafting operation is quieter and stress-free for animals and operators, with little indication to oncoming sheep that drafting is even taking place.

Gallaghers design team has gone to efforts to build the system's electronics into the frame of the auto-drafter, including much of the systems in the bridge above the drafting pen, and including the RFID scanner in the adjustable side panels of the drafting pen.

Three way drafting comes as standard, but the addition of extra modules can make nine way drafting an option.

Peter Nation says while Gallagher has incorporated its own weigh scale into the auto drafter, the system is compatible with other companies' RFID technology.

While sheep are not yet included in the NAIT ID system launching next year. Nation says more farmers are interested in having systems that could cope with such technology.

The Gallagher drafter can draft sheep by weight, but will also operate on RFID tag technology, something that already appeals to many stud breeders, he says.
Despite only being unveiled at the Fieldays, Gallagher had already had "serious" interest from sheep farmers at the exhibition.