Global Livestock Equipment Manufacturer & Supplier
SHEWUYOU · Livestock Equipment
Integrated Equipment Solutions for Pig, Cattle & Poultry Farms

3-Way Automatic Dairy Cow Sort Gate

Product Showcase Content
Product Name 3-Way Automatic Dairy Cow Sort Gate
Product Image 3-way automatic dairy cow sort gate
Product Overview The 3-Way Automatic Dairy Cow Sort Gate is designed for automatic drafting of dairy cows as they leave a milking parlour or move through a controlled single-file race. The system can direct an animal to the left, straight ahead or to the right according to identification data and predefined herd-management instructions.

A heavy-duty galvanized steel structure, powered gate mechanism, animal identification interface and intelligent controller provide a practical solution for commercial dairy farms seeking to reduce manual sorting, shorten herd handling time and improve daily cow-management efficiency.
Key Features
  • Automatic 3-Way Sorting: Directs selected cows left, right or straight ahead without continuous manual gate operation.
  • EID / RFID Identification: Compatible identification options allow individual cows to be matched with predefined drafting lists.
  • Low-Stress Cow Flow: Smooth gate movement and controlled pneumatic operation help minimize noise and interruption to normal animal movement.
  • Heavy-Duty Galvanized Structure: Designed for humid, manure-intensive and high-use commercial dairy environments.
  • Enclosed Operating Components: Critical drive and control parts can be protected against weather, dirt and direct animal contact.
  • Durable Gate Hinges: Bearing-supported pivot assemblies help maintain smooth operation during repeated daily sorting cycles.
  • Herd Management Integration: Sorting commands can be linked with breeding, health, treatment and grouping information.
  • Reduced Labour Requirement: Routine drafting can be incorporated into the normal cow exit flow after milking.
Structural Components
  • Hot-dip galvanized structural steel main frame
  • Left, center and right drafting passages
  • Powered diversion gates
  • Pneumatic cylinders and control valves
  • Low-noise pneumatic exhaust components
  • Heavy-duty bearing hinge assemblies
  • Animal identification antenna or reader interface
  • Animal position and gate position sensors
  • Electronic control cabinet
  • Protected overhead rail and actuator structure
  • Adjustable mounting feet and foundation anchors
  • Optional manual or remote override controls
Working Principle Cows normally enter the sorting lane in single file after leaving the milking area. As each cow approaches the drafting section, the identification system reads the animal ID and sends the information to the sorting controller.

The controller compares the identified cow with the current sorting list. Sensors confirm the animal's position inside the gate before the pneumatic actuator moves the appropriate diversion gate.

The selected cow is then directed left, right or straight ahead. After the animal clears the sorting zone, the gates automatically return to the required position for the next cow. This sequencing helps maintain continuous cow flow while reducing accidental drafting of following animals.
Technical Specifications
Product Type Automatic dairy cow sorting and drafting gate
Sorting Directions 3-way: left / center / right
Main Frame Heavy-duty structural steel
Surface Treatment Hot-dip galvanized or customizable
Gate Actuation Pneumatic powered operation
Animal Identification EID / RFID or compatible identification system
Control Mode Automatic with optional manual override
Connectivity Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular or according to project requirements
Power Supply According to local electrical standards and project requirements
Air Supply Clean compressed air; specification available upon request
Overall Dimensions Customizable
Race Width According to cow size and project requirements
Installation Environment Indoor, covered or protected outdoor dairy handling areas
Applications
  • Rotary dairy parlours
  • Herringbone milking parlours
  • Rapid-exit milking systems
  • Large commercial dairy farms
  • Post-milking automatic cow drafting
  • Pregnancy-check and reproduction groups
  • Artificial insemination and breeding programs
  • Veterinary examination and treatment groups
  • Health-alert and observation cows
  • Production-group and pen-transfer management
  • Dry-off and transition-cow management
Customization Options
  • Overall frame length, width and height customizable
  • Race dimensions according to dairy cow size
  • 3-way lane layout according to existing farm configuration
  • Different EID / RFID identification interfaces
  • Herd-management software integration available upon request
  • Wi-Fi, Ethernet or cellular communication options
  • Local voltage and electrical configuration
  • Manual, automatic and remote-control functions
  • Optional entry control or separation gate
  • Optional protective roof over control components
  • Connection panels for existing steel cattle races
  • Designed according to local climate and farm conditions
Installation & Maintenance Installation:
  • Install the sorting gate after the milking parlour where cows can approach in a controlled single-file flow.
  • Provide sufficient straight approach space so animals can enter individually without excessive crowding.
  • Align the left, center and right exits with the required holding pens or return lanes.
  • Mount the steel frame on a stable, level reinforced concrete foundation.
  • Connect the compressed-air supply, electrical power, sensors and control system according to the installation drawings.
  • Complete EID reader and herd-management software configuration before commissioning automatic sorting.
Maintenance:
  • Keep the sorting lane, sensors and moving gate areas free from manure and accumulated dirt.
  • Check pneumatic cylinders, air hoses, fittings and valves for leaks or wear.
  • Inspect bearing hinges and gate alignment regularly.
  • Check anchor bolts and structural fasteners periodically.
  • Protect electronic equipment from direct washing unless components are specifically rated for washdown.
  • Test identification, sensor and manual-override functions as part of routine preventive maintenance.
Product FAQ Q: What does 3-way sorting mean?
A: Each cow can be directed to the left, straight ahead or to the right, allowing three different cow-flow routes from one drafting point.

Q: Can cows be sorted automatically by electronic identification?
A: Yes. The system can be configured with compatible EID or RFID identification and sorting software so predefined cows are drafted automatically.

Q: Where should the sort gate be installed?
A: It is commonly positioned in the cow exit race after a rotary, herringbone or rapid-exit milking parlour.

Q: What can dairy cows be sorted for?
A: Typical purposes include breeding, pregnancy checking, veterinary treatment, health monitoring, group changes, dry-off management and other scheduled herd-management tasks.

Q: Can the system connect with existing herd-management software?
A: Integration options are available upon request. Compatibility should be confirmed according to the identification equipment, software platform and communication protocol used on the farm.

Q: Can the gate dimensions be customized?
A: Yes. Frame size, race width, exit arrangement, control configuration and connection interfaces can be designed according to project requirements.
Product Gallery automatic dairy cow drafting gate installation

Comments & Inquiries

Leave your questions or requirements below. We will reply as soon as possible.