While safety is the most important aspect when it comes to handling sheep and cattle, the speed with which livestock can be handled will greatly improve the efficiency on the farm.

We look at the Rolls Royce of sheep handling units with Clipex recently launching its mobile and fixed sheep handler in Ireland.

The Irish Farmers Journal recently attended a demonstration of this handler in Mayo.

The unit takes all of the manual labour out of handling sheep, whether it is for dagging, checking feet, dosing or injecting, among other things.

Due to its cost the handler will not be an option for every farmer. However, it may appeal to farmers running large numbers.

The use of a carousel to herd cattle into a crush is a very effective method of handling cattle safely. We also examine a new handling unit that is in use on the farm of Mark Lewis, one of the BETTER farmers in Co Armagh.

He runs a large suckler-to-beef operation on his farm and needed to improve his facilities to cope with expanding numbers.

A purpose-built shed is in the process of being completed to house this new handling unit.

We also examine the science behind the handling of cattle developed by world-renowned animal specialist Temple Grandin.

Understanding the flight zone and point of balance of cattle can greatly improve the safety of handling. There are simple handling techniques that can be used to increase the ease with which cattle are moved.

Standing in the blind spot of an animal, for example, can confuse the animal leading to them becoming concerned or agitated, placing the handler in increased danger.