Method and apparatus for sorting livestock

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sorting livestock such as hogs, sheep, cows, and poultry within an enclosure and guiding the livestock to an exit opening therein is disclosed. The present invention includes an elongated, foldable livestock barrier constructed of a durable plastic material which may be attached to a perimeter wall of a livestock enclosure adjacent an exit opening therein and gradually unfolded and extended to a remote position along an opposite wall of the enclosure to separate the livestock into groups to be sorted. Thereafter, the flexible barrier is gradually refolded to shorten its effective length and moved along the perimeter wall toward the exit opening of the enclosure to gradually reduce the confined area wherein the animals to be sorted are contained. Using this technique the animals are guided out of the exit opening to an alternate floor within the livestock facility without injury to either the animal or the worker. The livestock barrier is adaptable to various types of animal enclosures and is versatile in its application and use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.