Abstract: A chute for immobilizing an animal (e.g. cow) wherein the chute during a hoof-trimming operation or the like. The chute is comprised of an inner wall and an outer wall and a front and rear gate. The inner wall has a rectangular opening near the front thereof with a backing plate having a hole secured over the backside of the opening in the inner wall. A removable pad is comprised of a rectangular frame which fits in the opening in the inner wall. The frame has a flexible cover (e.g. anti-microbial material) secured over its front. An inflatable bladder (e.g. pneumatic inner tube) is inserted through the hole in the backing plate and is positioned within the frame and behind the cover. The bladder is then inflated whereby the bladder expands to produce a pillow-like support for the cow's shoulder while the cow is in the chute.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating the front gate of a chute for immobilizing an animal where the gate can be unlatched/opened or closed/latched in a single operation. The system is comprised of a gate cylinder for opening and closing the gate and a latch cylinder for unlatching and latching the gate wherein the cylinders are interconnected by respective short and longer lengths of hose whereby hydraulic fluid will reach and actuate one of the cylinders (i.e. unlatches the gate or closes the gate) before it flows to and actuates the other cylinder (e.g. opens the gate or latches the gate).

Abstract: A portable chute for immobilizing an animal (e.g. a dairy cow) which has a front gate, a rear gate, and a stanchion for immobilizing the animal, all of which are operable by a single operator from a single location at the rear of the chute. The chute is pivotably mounted onto the bed of a vehicle and is rotatable by a fluid-operated cylinder between a horizontal or hoof-trimming position on the bed of the vehicle and an upright, vertical or cow-loading position.