Abstract: A rectangular shaped animal trapping cage with one side of the cage configured in two segments that can be swung toward the inside of the cage and locked to facilitate the immobilization of sheep and goat sized animals.

Abstract: A livestock chute for confining and controlling an animal including a pair of spaced apart side frames connected by support members to provide an elongated space into which the animal may be driven, a tailgate near the rear end of said space and a head gate assembly supported near a front end of the space which includes an expandable and contractible opening which, when expanded, allows the head of the animal to extend therethrough and, when contracted, surrounds the neck of the animal to prevent removal of said animal's head therefrom. A gate carriage is mounted near the top of the side frame for longitudinal movement relative thereto and from which the head gate assembly is suspended for movement between a terminal position near the front of the space and selected positions nearer the rear of said space. Preferred embodiments include a squeeze assembly for engagement with the hip area of the animal.

Abstract: A bail assembly including bail means moveable between operative engaged positions and a disengaged position; all actuating means for quickly moving the bail means between the operative engaged positions and the disengaged position, and holding means for holding the bail means at any selected operative engaged position. Preferably the holding means is a selectively releasable self locking hydraulic cylinder assembly which includes adjustable holding means, a locking chamber associated with the adjustable holding means which may be filled to lock the adjustable holding means, control means for controlling flow of fluid to and from the locking chamber, and actuating means for selectively actuating the control means.

Abstract: A stanchion bumper is provided for use with a cattle stanchion having a head opening typically defined by a stationary, vertically-oriented stanchion and a pivotal release stanchion which, when tilted in one direction, enlarges the upper part of the opening so that the animal can insert its head through the opening, a closed position where the pivotal stanchion is vertical and defines a head opening through which an animal cannot withdraw its head, and a downed animal position wherein an enlarged lower opening exists so that a downed animal can withdraw its head. The stanchion bumper is positioned below the pivot point of the release stanchion, such that the lower portion of the release stanchion will engage the stanchion bumper when the animal inadvertently moves the release stanchion past the closed position toward the downed animal position.