Sheepvet

Description

The LM Bateman Sheepvet stands out as one of the most innovative and practical turnover crates available today. Purpose-built for efficiency and safety, it has been engineered to make sheep care tasks like foot pairing, dagging, and veterinary treatments smoother and more controlled. Designed and manufactured by LM Bateman (one of the UK’s most respected names in livestock handling equipment) the Sheepvet combines intelligent functionality with robust construction to deliver a product that farmers can rely on for years of intensive use.

Specifications

• Length: 1730mm
• Depth: 550mm
• Height: 900mm
• Automatic head yoke with width adjustment
• Adjustable cradle length
• Foot pedal swing mechanism
• Quick-release handles for head yoke and cradle
• Quick-closing rear gate
• Squeeze-down cradle sides
• Integrated handles and wheels for transport

At its core, the Sheepvet’s design revolves around simplicity and control. The automatic head yoke is one of its most distinctive features, providing effortless restraint as soon as the sheep enters the crate. The mechanism automatically engages when the animal’s shoulders contact the panel, securing the head comfortably but firmly without causing distress. This unique self-locking system eliminates the need for manual adjustments, allowing handlers to focus entirely on treatment rather than setup. With an adjustable width function, the yoke can accommodate sheep of various breeds and sizes, ensuring a secure fit for every animal.

Once the head is secured, the squeeze-down body clamp comes into play. This feature holds the animal gently but firmly along the body, preventing excessive movement during inspection or treatment. The pressure is applied evenly, reducing stress and making the entire process safer for both sheep and handler. This combination of head and body restraint provides exceptional stability, particularly important when trimming hooves or administering injections.

The Sheepvet’s cradle system is equally advanced. The cradle length is adjustable, allowing it to suit everything from smaller lambs to larger ewes. Once the animal is properly positioned, the crate’s turnover mechanism enables smooth and controlled rotation, giving the operator complete 360° access. This turning action is operated via a foot pedal, leaving both hands free to work. The mechanism has been carefully balanced to make turning the animal effortless, without any risk of sudden movement or strain. In the turned-over position, the operator can comfortably access the sheep’s feet for clipping, trimming, or treatment — a task that traditionally requires bending or kneeling, now made significantly easier and safer.

Ease of access is one of the Sheepvet’s key design principles. It features rear access to the animal, providing a clear working area for dagging and similar procedures. The head access section includes a cheek rest, allowing the operator to work conveniently on the animal’s head or face while maintaining full control. This makes it suitable not only for foot work and shearing but also for tasks such as tagging, dosing, or veterinary examinations.

All of these features are built around a sturdy steel framework, ensuring the unit remains stable during use and capable of withstanding years of regular handling. Despite its strength, the Sheepvet has been designed with mobility in mind. The integrated handles and wheels make transportation between sheds or paddocks simple and efficient. Whether being moved by one person or as part of a team, the crate can be wheeled into position quickly, reducing downtime during large-scale flock work.

Convenience is built into every aspect of the design. The quick-closing rear gate allows fast and easy loading, while the quick-release handles on both the cradle and head yoke mean that animals can be released instantly once the task is complete. This combination of secure restraint and quick release keeps livestock flowing efficiently through the process, which is particularly valuable for larger operations where time and precision are critical.

The Sheepvet’s squeeze-down cradle sides have been engineered to provide both security and comfort. They gently adjust to the animal’s body shape, minimising pressure points while holding the sheep steady. This design consideration reflects LM Bateman’s commitment to animal welfare, ensuring that restraint never compromises comfort or safety. The foot pedal mechanism further enhances this, allowing the operator to swing the cradle out smoothly for full all-round access without having to bend or reposition awkwardly.

Measuring 1730mm in length, 550mm in depth, and 900mm in height, the Sheepvet offers an ideal working size that balances comfort, accessibility, and stability. The compact design allows it to fit easily within existing handling setups, while still offering ample working space for the operator. The overall ergonomics of the crate are geared toward reducing strain on the handler, with controls and mechanisms positioned intuitively for natural, one-person operation.

In practice, the LM Bateman Sheepvet has proven to be an invaluable addition to any sheep enterprise. Farmers and contractors alike appreciate the time savings and improved handling it brings to regular maintenance routines. By minimising animal movement and operator strain, it enhances safety, efficiency, and welfare across the board. The precision engineering behind the turnover mechanism ensures that rotation is controlled and smooth, allowing even less experienced operators to handle sheep confidently and effectively.

Every component of the Sheepvet reflects LM Bateman’s decades of experience in livestock handling design. From the self-locking head yoke to the quick-release systems and adjustable cradle, each element has been crafted for durability and reliability. The result is a piece of equipment that not only performs flawlessly in day-to-day use but also stands the test of time under the demands of professional farming.

The LM Bateman Sheepvet redefines what a turnover crate can achieve. Combining automatic restraint, ergonomic operation, and smooth turnover control, it provides everything a modern sheep farmer needs for effective and humane handling. Whether for foot trimming, dagging, or veterinary work, it offers unmatched convenience, comfort, and efficiency. With its rugged construction, clever design, and industry-leading functionality, the Sheepvet is an indispensable tool for professional flock management — a true example of LM Bateman innovation at its finest.