Sheep enterprises are regularly perceived as requiring a high labour input. There are major differences, however, with numerous factors such as farm layout and land fragmentation, farm infrastructure and even breed type all having an influence on the volume of labour required.

A handling unit can deliver major labour savings, with research showing that a good handling unit can reduce the time worked with sheep by 1.28 hours per ewe. Over a 100-ewe flock, this amounts to 16 days work per year. This is a significant figure when you take into account many sheep enterprises are run on a part-time basis and for those that are not help is often limited.

Guide

A new guide to designing a sheep handling unit compiled by Teagasc business and technology adviser Edward Egan was launched at the Teagasc sheep conference in Kilkenny last Thursday .

The guide is available to view and download for free on the Teagasc website.

It contains valuable information on designing a new handling unit and also contains advice where existing units are being upgraded. Edward has an extensive knowledge in sheep production and provides lots of practical and easy-to-implement tips for a range of handling options.

As well as improving efficiency, Edward says a good handling unit can make a huge difference to the health of the operator and reduce muscle strain and injuries linked with repetitive practices or poor handling techniques.