Open-Top Self-Locking Headlock for Horned Cattle

The Open-Top Headlock for Horned Cattle is a self-locking feed-front system developed for dairy and beef cattle that require additional head and horn clearance when entering the feeding position.

Unlike conventional closed-top headlocks, the open upper structure allows the animal to lower its head into the feeding opening from above. Centralized locking, group release and individual animal release support efficient feeding, veterinary inspection and herd-management procedures in commercial cattle barns.

• Open-top configuration provides additional clearance for horned cattle.
• Self-locking operation allows animals to secure themselves when entering the feed front.
• Central control enables multiple feeding positions to be released together.
• Individual release allows selected animals to leave while other cattle remain restrained.
• Enlarged movable bar helps reduce the risk of collars becoming caught.
• Heavy-duty configurations are available for large mature cattle.
• Wide feeding openings support comfortable access to roughage and total mixed rations.
• Low-noise components can be incorporated for calmer livestock handling.
• Modular construction simplifies integration into steel-structure dairy barns and feeding alleys.

• Open Upper Frame: Provides unobstructed vertical entry for the animal's head and horns.
• Fixed Feed-Front Bars: Define individual feeding positions and reinforce the panel.
• Movable Locking Bars: Pivot as cattle enter and engage the self-locking mechanism.
• Central Control Linkage: Connects multiple positions for coordinated locking and release.
• Individual Drop-Pin Release: Allows individual cattle to be released when required.
• Lower Structural Rail: Provides rigidity along the feed-front section.
• Support Posts and Fasteners: Secure the headlock sections to the cattle-barn structure.

In open mode, cattle can freely place and remove their heads through the feed front. When the operator selects self-locking mode, the movable bar pivots as an animal enters and locks the animal in the normal feeding position.

The complete row can subsequently be released through the central control mechanism. Individual animals can also be released separately. Selected heavy-duty configurations provide an additional lower safety opening for individual release when required.

• Commercial dairy farms with horned cattle.
• Organic and traditional cattle-management systems.
• Beef cattle feeding facilities.
• Large-stock feeding alleys in free-stall cattle barns.
• Temporary restraint during veterinary inspection and treatment.
• Vaccination, reproductive management and herd health procedures.
• New steel-structure cattle barn construction.
• Existing feed-front renovation and dairy-farm expansion projects.
• Livestock equipment distributors and turnkey cattle-farm projects.

• Feeding Width: Customizable according to cattle size and horn development.
• Panel Length: According to feed-alley dimensions and barn column spacing.
• Number of Feeding Positions: Available according to project requirements.
• Steel Tube Specification: Customizable according to structural requirements.
• Surface Treatment: Hot-dip galvanized configuration available upon request.
• Heavy-Duty Safety Version: Available for larger cattle and intensive-use facilities.
• Rotating Gate Configuration: Hinge assembly and castor-wheel options available.
• Mounting Hardware: Designed according to posts and existing barn structures.
• OEM Production: Custom drawings and private-label configurations available upon request.

• Confirm cattle body size, horn clearance, feeding-space width and support-post locations before installation.
• Install the feed-front sections on adequately reinforced posts according to project drawings.
• Keep adjacent sections correctly aligned to ensure smooth central-control operation.
• Test open, self-locking, central-release and individual-release functions before commissioning.
• Verify that movable bars pivot freely without excessive clearance.
• Retighten mounting fasteners after initial operation where required.
• Remove feed, manure and bedding buildup from locking and pivot components.
• Inspect drop pins, movable bars, stops and control linkage periodically.
• Repair damaged galvanized surfaces and replace excessively worn components promptly.

Q: Why is an open-top headlock suitable for horned cattle?
A: The open upper structure allows cattle to enter from above without requiring the horns to pass through a closed upper frame.

Q: Can the cattle lock themselves while feeding?
A: Yes. When the system is placed in self-locking mode, the movable bar engages as the animal enters the feeding position.

Q: Can all cattle be released together?
A: Yes. Compatible configurations provide centralized release for all positions in the controlled feed-front section.

Q: Can an individual animal be released separately?
A: Yes. Individual release is available through the movable-bar locking mechanism.

Q: Are different feeding widths available?
A: Yes. Reference configurations include approximately 65, 70 and 75 cm feeding widths, while customized dimensions are available according to project requirements.

Q: Can the headlock be installed as a rotating gate?
A: Yes. Compatible hinge assemblies and castor wheels can be used where a swinging feed-front section is required.

Q: Can SHEWUYOU customize the system for a complete cattle barn?
A: Yes. Panel dimensions, feeding positions, steel specifications, mounting arrangements and surface treatment can be configured according to cattle size and barn design.