6 Best Cattle Headgates For Dehorning Calves That Reduce Calf Stress

Dehorning day is never easy, but the difference between a frantic, stressful scramble and a calm, efficient process often comes down to one piece of equipment: the headgate. A calf’s first experience in the chute sets the tone for every handling event for the rest of its life. Getting it right from the start with a headgate that minimizes noise, panic, and struggle is one of the smartest investments you can make.

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Choosing a Headgate for Low-Stress Dehorning

The single most important factor in a low-stress headgate is a quiet, quick, and secure catch. A loud, clanging gate that requires multiple attempts to catch a calf teaches it to fear the chute. That fear creates a dangerous situation for both you and the animal.

There are three main types you’ll encounter: manual, self-catching (or automatic), and hydraulic. For most small farms, hydraulic is overkill. A good manual or self-catching headgate is the sweet spot, offering control and efficiency without the high cost and maintenance of a hydraulic system. A self-catching gate is fantastic if you often work alone, as the calf’s forward movement does most of the work for you.

When you’re looking at options, focus on the details that matter for dehorning. You need excellent access to the calf’s head, which means you want a gate that doesn’t block your working area. Look for features like infinite locks, which close to fit any neck size perfectly, rather than relying on preset pinholes that can be too tight or too loose. Rubber dampeners are another huge plus, as they dramatically reduce the metal-on-metal clang that can spook an already nervous animal.

Priefert HG91: Top Choice for Quiet Operation

If there’s one headgate known for being whisper-quiet, it’s the Priefert. The design is engineered from the ground up to reduce noise. The floating lock system and rubber cushions mean you get a firm, secure catch without the jarring crash that sends other calves scrambling.

The magic of the Priefert is its "infinite locking" mechanism. Instead of a few set locking points, it uses a friction lock that secures the gate at any point in its travel. This guarantees a perfect fit on a 200-pound calf or a 500-pound steer, preventing choking hazards or the risk of an animal pulling its head back through. For dehorning, this secure hold is non-negotiable.

This headgate is also incredibly user-friendly, which is a major factor in reducing stress for the operator. A single, simple lever controls the entire operation. When you’re trying to manage a calf, a dehorner, and your own nerves, the last thing you need is a complicated latch system. The Priefert’s smooth, easy action makes the whole process faster and calmer.

Arrowquip Q-Catch 87 for Superior Calf Safety

Arrowquip built its reputation on engineering equipment that works with animal behavior, not against it. The Q-Catch 87 headgate is a prime example. Its curtain-style doors and wide opening encourage calves to walk in without balking, as it looks more open and less intimidating than a traditional scissor-style gate.

The safety features are where this model truly shines. The 3E System (Easy Entry and Exit) uses a barred design that draws the calf’s focus forward, into the headgate. Once caught, the dual-friction lock provides a secure hold, and optional neck extenders can offer even more control, keeping the calf’s head still and presented perfectly for the dehorning tool.

This is a premium option, and the price reflects that. But what you’re paying for is a massive reduction in risk and stress. A calm calf is a safer calf to work on, and the design features that keep the animal calm also keep the operator out of harm’s way. If animal welfare and operator safety are your absolute top priorities, the Arrowquip is hard to beat.

Tarter Cattlemaster for Quick, Secure Catching

The Tarter Cattlemaster series is a workhorse. It’s built tough, it’s reliable, and it’s designed for speed and efficiency. This is a fantastic option for hobby farmers who need a durable, no-nonsense headgate that can handle a decent number of calves without breaking the bank.

Its main strength is its fast, positive self-catching mechanism. The gate is designed to catch high on the neck, which discourages the animal from trying to duck under or fight the gate. For dehorning, a quick, clean catch means you can get to work immediately, minimizing the time the calf spends under stress in the chute.

The tradeoff for this speed and value is a bit of refinement. It’s generally louder than a Priefert and doesn’t have the same animal-psychology-driven design as an Arrowquip. However, it’s a simple, robust design that just plain works. For many small operations, that blend of affordability, durability, and effective catching is the perfect combination.

Powder River Classic for Maximum Adjustability

The Powder River Classic has been a staple on farms for decades for one simple reason: it’s incredibly versatile. Its standout feature is the ability to adjust the opening width at both the top and the bottom, independently. This is a game-changer for anyone handling calves of varying sizes or breeds.

Getting the V-shape of the opening just right is crucial for a low-stress catch. Too wide at the bottom, and small calves can slip a leg through. Too narrow at the top, and larger calves will refuse to enter. The Powder River’s adjustability lets you dial in the perfect fit for the specific group of animals you’re working with that day, ensuring a safe and secure hold every time.

This headgate is built with heavy-gauge steel and a simple, mechanical design. There are no complex parts to fail, and it’s easy to maintain and service yourself. While it may not be the quietest or fastest on the market, its legendary durability and unmatched adjustability make it a wise long-term investment for a farm with a diverse herd.

Pearson Automatic Headgate: Hands-Free Safety

For the farmer who truly works alone, the Pearson Automatic Headgate is a lifesaver. Its design is brilliantly simple: the calf’s own forward momentum pushes the gate, which then springs shut and locks automatically. This means you can stay behind the animal, gently encouraging it forward, instead of having to be at the front to operate a lever.

This hands-free operation is a massive advantage for safety and efficiency. You’re not rushing from the back of the chute to the front, and you’re never in a vulnerable position right beside the headgate as the animal enters. Once the calf is caught, you can approach a secured animal, which dramatically lowers the risk of injury.

There is a small learning curve for both you and your cattle. You need to set the spring tension correctly, and the animals need to learn to walk into it with confidence. But once that rhythm is established, the speed and safety of the Pearson system are unmatched for a one-person operation. It transforms a two-person job into a manageable solo task.

Behlen Country S-Bar: A Solid Budget Choice

Sometimes, you just need a simple, strong headgate that gets the job done without a hefty price tag. The Behlen Country S-Bar is exactly that. It’s a manual, scissor-style gate that provides a secure hold and is built to withstand the rigors of farm life.

The S-Bar design is straightforward and effective. You operate it with a lever, and it provides good access to the calf’s head and neck area for procedures like dehorning. It lacks the quiet operation of a Priefert or the advanced safety features of an Arrowquip, but it offers a reliable catch at a fraction of the cost.

This is a great choice for someone with a very small herd or who is just starting out. You are trading convenience and low-stress features for affordability. It requires a bit more skill and care from the operator to ensure a clean, calm catch, but for the price, it’s a tough, dependable piece of equipment that will serve a small farm well for years.

Matching the Headgate to Your Farm’s Needs

There is no single "best" headgate; there is only the best headgate for your operation. The right choice depends entirely on your herd size, your budget, and, most importantly, whether you typically work alone or with help. Don’t get sold on features you don’t need.

Use these questions as a simple decision-making framework:

• Is quiet, low-stress operation your top priority? Look at the Priefert HG91 or Arrowquip Q-Catch.
• Do you almost always work alone? The Pearson Automatic is designed specifically for you.
• Do you need to handle a wide range of animal sizes? The Powder River Classic’s adjustability is its greatest strength.
• Are you on a tight budget but still need durability? The Tarter Cattlemaster or Behlen Country S-Bar offer incredible value.

Ultimately, a headgate is a 20-year investment in safety and animal welfare. Spending a little more upfront for a quieter, safer, and easier-to-use model pays dividends every single time you have to work an animal. It makes tough jobs like dehorning less of an ordeal and fosters a calmer, more manageable herd in the long run.

Choosing the right headgate transforms dehorning from a high-stress battle into a controlled, humane procedure. It’s not just about restraining an animal; it’s about communicating safety and control, which benefits both calf and farmer immensely.