Head Bails and Crushes

Cattle may forgive, but they do not forget. Animals remember bad handling experiences, especially those involving fear, pain, and restraint. Head bails are often necessary for safe animal management, but they are not popular with stock. It is important to understand how cattle perceive handling equipment, and how we can work with their instincts rather than against them.

Why cattle dislike head bails

There are many models of head bails and crushes on the market, but from the animal’s point of view, they all do the same thing. They involve being pushed, caught, squeezed, and often subjected to painful or frightening procedures. To cattle, this feels like a trap.

Many will resist entering a head bail again once they have had a bad experience. That reluctance can increase the risk of injury for both animal and handler, especially when panic sets in. Some modern head bails even close as the animal moves forward, creating the illusion of an open path before slamming shut. The result is a bruised or frightened animal that will remember that pain next time.

Crush designs and common hazards

Modern crushes are designed with safety in mind. Some allow the sides to move in and restrain the animal gently, rather than forcibly. Others include a nose bar to prevent the head from twisting, which can help protect your fingers during close-up work.

However, many systems include levers, bolts, or rods that stick out in all directions. These can easily become hazards for knees, shins, and heads. If the bail has a bar placed behind the hocks or rear end, ensure it is fitted correctly. A poorly placed bar can be shoved backwards by the animal, risking injury to the handler.

Before using any new head bail or crush, make sure you know how to release an animal quickly. If a beast goes down while restrained, it may strangle or suffocate unless you can act fast. Do not assume you will be able to lift the animal in time.

Handling animals into the bail

Avoid using force. The less pushing and shouting, the better. Stock respond best when they feel they have a clear path forward. Let them see the way through the bail and make sure no one is standing in their line of sight. To get them moving, stand just behind their point of balance rather than in front of them.

If you need to perform a task in the bail such as drenching, take extra care. While it is easier to hold the beast still, the process can be slow and awkward. If the head is not properly positioned, you risk damaging the gullet or causing drench to go into the lungs, especially with large tablets or boluses.

Tagging and ear handling

Tagging cattle is a task where care and timing are critical. Cattle hate having their ears pulled, twisted, or bent. Always use the head bail for tagging and be ready for the sudden movement when the pliers pierce the ear. Keep your hands well clear of metal parts and the animal’s head.

Reading brass tags in dairy cattle can also be difficult if the tag was not placed properly. You may need to twist the ear to see the number, which can provoke head tossing and increase the risk of injury to your hands and fingers.

Mouth inspections and head control

Checking a cow’s teeth or mouth is not for the faint-hearted. Even in the head bail, cattle are strong and will resist. If not positioned properly, you could easily be thrown or knocked.

Stand beside the head bail with your back against the frame and your feet apart. Use your body for support. Wrap your arm around the cow’s head and pull it into a half-Nelson position. You can rest the head on your knee for leverage.

Find the gap between the front and back teeth with your left hand and tilt the head up. This will help open the mouth. Use your right hand to pull the lower lip down and inspect the teeth. But be very careful. The back molars are like guillotines. They are designed to slice grass and they will slice your fingers too. You will not get a second chance.

General safety in the yards

Always keep a stocked First Aid kit nearby and carry your mobile phone in case of emergency. Many injuries happen because people become too confident or distracted. Watch for loose bolts or protruding nails on old equipment, especially if you have not used the yard for a while.

Remember that pain and stress caused in the yards today can affect how animals behave tomorrow. Calm, respectful handling reduces risk and improves animal welfare. If you are learning or unsure about handling techniques, our What You Need to Know to Keep Cattle course provides practical tips for safe and efficient stock management.