Electric 3-Way Sheep Auto Drafter

The Electric 3-Way Sheep Auto Drafter is an automated livestock handling unit designed to weigh, identify and sort individual goat-farming-equipment/" target="_blank" class="keylink">sheep into three different exit groups with minimal manual gate operation.

Installed within a sheep handling race, the system combines a weighing crate, electrically operated entrance and drafting gates, livestock load bars and a compatible weighing indicator. Optional EID equipment allows individual electronic ear-tag records to be linked with live-weight data and drafting decisions.

Depending on the livestock management system used, animals can be drafted according to live weight, recorded identification information, production groups or operator selection. Automatic gate sequencing helps improve throughput while reducing repetitive physical work during large-flock handling.

The unit is suitable for commercial sheep farms, breeding operations, finishing systems, livestock contractors and agricultural projects requiring efficient data-based flock management.

• 3-Way Automatic Drafting: Directs individual sheep into three separate exit routes according to predefined management criteria.
• Electric Gate Control: Motor-driven gates reduce repetitive manual operation and do not require a compressed-air system.
• Automatic Weighing: Compatible livestock load bars measure individual live weight within the drafting crate.
• EID Compatible: Optional electronic identification equipment can link tag numbers with weight and drafting records.
• Automatic Operating Mode: Entry, weighing, drafting and release sequences can be coordinated through a compatible livestock indicator.
• Remote Override: Operators can manually intervene when individual animals require a different drafting decision.
• Efficient Single-Operator Workflow: Reduces labour requirements for routine weighing and flock classification.
• Portable Power Configuration: Low-voltage battery-powered configurations are suitable for livestock yards where mains electricity is inconvenient.
• Optional Mobility: Wheel-kit configurations can simplify movement between handling locations.
• System Integration: Suitable for connection with forcing pens, handling races, EID readers, weighing indicators and livestock management systems.

• Heavy-duty livestock weighing crate
• Electric rear entry gates
• Three-direction exit drafting system
• Electric gate actuators
• Sheeted livestock side panels
• Livestock weighing load bars
• Compatible digital weighing indicator
• Drafting control interface
• Remote control system
• Low-voltage battery power supply
• Optional EID panel reader and antenna
• Optional transport wheel kit

A sheep enters the weighing crate from the approach race. Once the animal is correctly positioned, the rear gate closes to separate it from the following animals and allow stable weighing.

The livestock weighing system records the animal's live weight. When EID equipment is fitted, the electronic identification number can also be captured and associated with the individual weight record.

The controller then selects the appropriate drafting direction according to programmed criteria. One of the three exit routes is opened and the sheep moves into the selected collection pen.

After the animal exits, the gate sequence resets and the rear gate opens for the next sheep, allowing a continuous automated handling cycle.

• Commercial sheep farms
• Automatic live-weight sorting
• Finishing lamb classification
• Breeding flock selection
• Replacement ewe management
• EID livestock identification programs
• Weight-gain monitoring
• Feed management programs
• Sale and market-group preparation
• Veterinary treatment grouping
• Livestock research and performance recording
• Agricultural contractor operations
• Complete sheep handling and farm construction projects

• Race dimensions: Customizable
• Entrance race configuration: According to project requirements
• Three exit-pen arrangement: Customizable
• Load bar specification: Available upon request
• Livestock weighing indicator: Available upon request
• EID panel reader: Available upon request
• EID antenna configuration: Customizable
• Remote control system: According to project requirements
• Mobile wheel kit: Available upon request
• Holding and forcing pens: Customizable
• Data management interface: Available according to livestock management requirements
• Complete system layouts can be designed according to local climate and farm conditions.

Install the auto drafter on a firm, level working surface between the approach race and three suitably arranged exit pens. Correct alignment helps sheep enter and leave the weighing crate without unnecessary turns or hesitation.

Load bars must be installed so that the weighing platform or crate remains mechanically isolated from surrounding panels, gates or flooring that could interfere with accurate weight measurement.

Where EID equipment is fitted, the antenna should be positioned for reliable individual tag detection while reducing unintended reads from animals waiting outside the crate.

Before operation, inspect the battery, electrical connections, gate actuators, remote control and weighing system. Perform weighing calibration and verify that all three drafting routes operate correctly.

Routine maintenance includes cleaning manure and debris from gates and moving components, inspecting electrical cables and fasteners, checking load-bar condition and maintaining the battery according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

A typical commercial installation positions the electric auto drafter after a forcing pen and single-file sheep race. Animals enter individually, are weighed and then automatically directed into one of three dispersal pens.

For finishing operations, one exit can be allocated to animals at target market weight, another to intermediate animals and the third to livestock requiring additional feeding or management.

For breeding farms, EID-compatible configurations can support selection of replacement animals, breeding groups and performance categories while maintaining individual livestock records.

Q: What is a 3-way sheep auto drafter?

A: It is an automated livestock handling unit that can direct individual sheep into three separate exit groups according to programmed or operator-selected criteria.

Q: Can the unit automatically draft sheep according to weight?

A: Yes. A compatible weighing indicator can use predefined weight ranges to determine the required exit direction.

Q: Does the system require compressed air?

A: Electric configurations use motor-driven gates and therefore do not require the compressed-air supply used by pneumatic drafting systems.

Q: Can EID identification be integrated?

A: Yes. Compatible EID panel readers, antennas and livestock indicators can be integrated according to project requirements.

Q: Can the operator override automatic drafting?

A: Yes. Compatible remote-control systems allow the operator to intervene when individual animals require special handling.

Q: Is a mobile version available?

A: A transport wheel-kit configuration can be supplied when the drafter needs to be moved between handling locations.

Q: Can SHEWUYOU provide a complete automatic sheep handling system?

A: Yes. The auto drafter, race panels, holding pens, load bars, weighing indicator, EID equipment and exit pens can be configured according to project requirements.