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oving goats from one location to another is inevitable. And, whether you are headed to a show, to the vet or to a sale or auction, it is necessary to take precautions so that you and your livestock are safe. Goat producers use several means of transportation to move animals from point A to point B. Goat boxes, stock trailers and horse trailers all have unique safety requirements, but they all have one thing in common -- they are moving precious cargo.
Small transporter
Small animal boxes are convenient to move a small number of animals. Most boxes fit between the wheel wells of a pick-up. If you are loading and unloading heavy animals into a tote, be sure to have a ramp to safely walk animals into the transporter. Open boxes may need an additional cover. Tarps can be used as protection from sun and wind; however, it is critical that these items be secured to the box and checked throughout the trip. Boxes also may need to be tied down depending on the weight and style of the tote. Regular vehicle maintenance should apply whether using a box or a trailer to transport animals.
Small Trailers / Horse Trailer
Longer excursions or for hauling a larger number of animals requires a horse or stock trailer. Trailer safety,
2428 - The Boer Goat - The Boer Goat
including proper maintenance and operation, is critical to the safety of everyone on the road. Not only is it important to protecting the animals, but it also important because our image as producers rests on the operation of well-maintained trailers. Family operations make up the largest percentage of goat production and according to Amanda Wickman, program manager at the Southwest Ag Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education, accidents happen when inexperienced or young helpers on family farms are not trained properly. “Young people who help hook up a trailer need to be trained on hand signals and communication,” she said. “This has to be a slow process, and when you are hitting the gas - brake - gas - brake, there is a lot of room for error.” Wickman recommends lining up trailers from outside the danger zone to prevent being crushed. “We see so many people get crushed when someone uses the wrong pedal. You can always pull up and back up again, but once you’ve pass the point of no return, it is too late.” Recognizing other pinch points is also critical to your own safety. Cut gates should be secured open or closed to prevent accidental injuries. “If you can tie or secure animals from the outside of the trailer, you minimize the risk to yourself.” If you are carrying tack, be sure to secure the tack so that it doesn’t shift or fall on animals or you when you open doors. Safety for trailers also includes knowing the legal limits of a trailer load. If you are involved in a vehicle accident with
