Abstract: A method for training an animal to proceed through an enclosure begins with the act of providing a generally clear or translucent enclosure having a first end, which serves as an entrance and a second end, which serves as an exit. A trainer encourages the animal to enter the entrance and can walk alongside the enclosure allowing the animal to generally observe the trainer to reduce any apprehension and to generally encourage the animal to proceed through the enclosure. Subsequently, the clear or translucent enclosure is replaced with an opaque enclosure once the animal has gained sufficient experience and comfort with the clear and/or translucent enclosure.

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.

Abstract: A cattle stanchion has a frame supporting animal restraint mechanism which includes an enclosed latching and release mechanism and an enclosed lockout means capable of operating in various positions. The frame is comprised of relatively thin welded section materials providing strength and rigidity while retaining light weight. The animal restraint mechanism is comprised of a support bar attached to the frame and a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the support bar. The enclosed latching and release mechanism is mounted on the top of the frame and cooperates with the rocker arm to perform the cattle stanchion's free feed, self-catch, single release, and group release functions. The stanchion's lock-out function is performed by the lock-out means.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. Double latch fingers at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engagable with notches carried by a rotatable and axially moveable positioner rod. An operating mechanism is actuable to move the positioner rod and engage the notches into and out of possible engagement with the latch fingers The arrangement gives the operator the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animals individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish. The latch fingers are manually manipulatable to quickly and safely release downed cattle from individual feeding stalls.