Handling facilities has not been found necessary to use when handling small livestock herds. But as the herds get bigger and the availability of skilled staff abates handling facilities are going to be an important part of an efficient beef cattle farm. The only reason for using handling facilities is not to ease and to lubricate animal handling. The most obvious positive impact of improved cattle handling facilities would probably be on an operation's returns, including saved costs in labour. Most importantly, a good facility can prevent injury to both workers and cattle. Safe handling also minimizes stress on cattle, which can reduce their weight and ability to fight disease and cause performance problems. Stress can also cause bruising and injuries, which are quality defects. Because farms and also their needs are different, all handling facilities are unique. Adequate handling facilities need not to be elaborate or overly expensive, but they should be safe, work well, and allow the producer to sort, weight, restrain, receive and/or ship cattle as efficiently and economically as possible. Not every operation requires all possible components. The producer has to determine the ones he needs based on his particular operation, herd size, existing facilities, and available materials. The cost of handling facilities will generally be a function of the size of a herd. The payback period of such an investment will depend largely on the health practices one imple-ments e.q. on how effectively the facilities are exploit.