5-Way Automatic Sheep Drafter

The 5-Way Automatic Sheep Drafter is an integrated livestock weighing and sorting system designed for high-throughput flock management. It combines a suspended weighing crate, automatic entry and exit gates, multi-direction drafting gates and electronic control technology in one compact handling unit.

During operation, goat-farming-equipment/" target="_blank" class="keylink">sheep enter the weighing section individually. Adjustable sensors detect animal position and automatically control the gate sequence. Integrated load cells capture live weight, while the control system directs each animal into one of five predefined drafting routes according to programmed sorting criteria.

When equipped with compatible EID identification equipment, individual electronic tag data can be linked with live weight and management records, allowing sheep to be drafted according to weight, identification information, production group or other predefined livestock-management criteria.

The system is suitable for commercial sheep farms, lamb finishing operations, breeding enterprises, livestock contractors and agricultural projects requiring accurate, repeatable and labour-efficient flock processing.

• 5-Way Automatic Drafting: Sorts sheep into five separate management groups during a single handling session.
• Integrated Automatic Weighing: Suspended load-cell technology provides accurate individual live-weight measurement.
• High Processing Capacity: Suitable reference systems can process more than 800 sheep per hour under appropriate operating conditions.
• Automatic Gate Control: Adjustable optical sensors detect animal position and coordinate entry and exit gate movement.
• Independent Entry and Exit Gates: Separating the gate structure from the weigh crate helps reduce weighing interference from adjacent animals.
• Optional EID Integration: Compatible electronic identification equipment supports individual animal identification and data-based drafting.
• Automatic and Manual Modes: Operators can use programmed automatic drafting or take manual control when individual inspection is required.
• Wireless Remote Control: Allows gate and drafting functions to be controlled away from the main console.
• Anti-Slip Rubber Floor: Provides a quieter and more secure standing surface for livestock.
• Hot-Dip Galvanized Frame: Heavy-duty steel construction provides long-term corrosion resistance in livestock environments.
• Protected Components: Impact-resistant covers help protect pneumatic and electronic components while reducing operating noise.
• Optional Mobile Installation: Trailer-compatible configurations can simplify transport between handling locations.

• Heavy-duty galvanized steel main frame
• Suspended livestock weighing crate
• Integrated overhead load cells
• Automatic entry gate
• Automatic exit gate
• Five-way drafting gate assembly
• Adjustable optical animal sensors
• Central control panel
• Wireless remote controller
• Weigh-scale display mounting bracket
• Anti-slip rubber floor
• Pneumatic actuation system
• Protective polyethylene covers
• Optional integrated EID antenna
• Optional mobile trailer system

Sheep enter the drafter from a single-file race. Adjustable optical sensors detect the animal and trigger the automatic entry-gate sequence. Once the sheep is positioned inside the weighing crate, the rear gate closes and the weighing cycle begins.

The suspended weighing crate transfers the animal load to integrated overhead load cells. Because the entry and exit gates operate independently from the weighing section, pressure from animals waiting outside the crate has less influence on the weight measurement.

After the live weight is captured, the livestock indicator applies the programmed drafting criteria. If EID equipment is installed, identification data can also be incorporated into the sorting decision.

The corresponding drafting gate then opens and directs the animal toward one of five exit routes. After the sheep clears the crate, the system resets automatically for the next animal.

This automated sequence enables rapid livestock processing with reduced manual gate operation and supports one-person flock management in suitable yard layouts.

• Commercial sheep finishing farms
• Large flock drafting operations
• Weight-based livestock classification
• EID-based sheep management
• Breeding flock selection
• Replacement ewe management
• Growth-rate monitoring
• Market-weight lamb selection
• Veterinary treatment grouping
• Feed-group allocation
• Livestock contractor operations
• Sheep research and performance recording
• Complete livestock handling and agricultural engineering projects

• Drafting layout: According to project requirements
• Lead-up race configuration: Customizable
• Exit pen arrangement: Customizable
• EID reader system: Available upon request
• Livestock weighing indicator: Available upon request
• Data-management integration: According to project requirements
• Reducer panels for smaller lambs: Available upon request
• Inspection or classing panels: Available upon request
• Trailer system: Available upon request
• Power and control configuration: According to destination-market requirements
• Complete handling layouts can be designed according to local climate and farm conditions.

The automatic drafter should be installed on a stable working surface and aligned correctly with the incoming sheep race and five exit routes. Smooth livestock flow into and away from the unit is essential for achieving efficient automatic operation.

Lead-up panels should be securely connected to the dedicated mounting points. The compressed-air supply, electrical connections, livestock indicator and optional EID equipment should be installed according to the relevant equipment instructions.

Before operation, check sensor alignment, gate travel, weighing calibration, air pressure and remote-control operation. Sensor positions should be adjusted according to the size of the livestock being processed.

Regular maintenance should include cleaning the rubber floor, removing manure and debris around moving gates, inspecting pneumatic lines and electrical cables, checking gate pivots and maintaining all weighing and identification components according to their respective service requirements.

A typical commercial installation combines a forcing pen, single-file lead-up race, 5-way automatic drafter and five collection pens. Sheep are automatically weighed and separated into different management groups without repeated manual gate operation.

For lamb finishing enterprises, the system can divide animals into several live-weight groups in one processing session, allowing lighter lambs to receive different feeding management while finished animals are directed toward the required sale group.

When EID and livestock management software are incorporated, the drafter can form part of a complete precision-livestock system for individual animal identification, weighing, performance analysis and automated flock classification.

Q: What does 5-way drafting mean?

A: The system can direct individual sheep into five different exit groups during one handling session.

Q: Can sheep be drafted automatically by weight?

A: Yes. A compatible livestock indicator can use predefined live-weight ranges to select the required drafting route.

Q: Can EID tags be used for drafting?

A: Yes. An optional integrated EID reader can link electronic identification data with the weighing and drafting system.

Q: Can one person operate the drafter?

A: The automatic sensor and gate-control system is designed to support one-person livestock processing in a correctly arranged handling yard.

Q: Can the automatic process be manually overridden?

A: Yes. The control panel and wireless remote allow manual intervention when inspection or individual sorting decisions are required.

Q: Can the system handle small lambs?

A: Reducer-panel options can reduce the internal crate width for smaller lambs and help prevent animals from turning inside the weighing section.

Q: Can the drafter be moved between handling yards?

A: Yes. Trailer-compatible configurations are available for farms and contractors requiring mobile livestock handling equipment.

Q: Can SHEWUYOU provide a complete automatic drafting project?

A: Yes. The drafter, race panels, forcing pens, exit pens, weighing equipment and EID components can be configured according to project requirements.