Animal Psychology and Livestock Handling Techniques Dr. Fred Rayfield South Region Livestock Specialist Georgia Agriculture Education To accompany Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson July 2002

Economic Impact n $100 million annually in the beef packing industry. n Shipping Fever $500 million annually n If the beef industry could cut death loss by 50% it would represent a saving of $39 million dollars annually. n Stress is a major cause of death and carcass loss.

Attitude is Important n Positive Attitude in Handling Livestock n I am going to let the animal do what I want Vs. I am going to make the animal do what I want. n “ That sorry ?#!?#!# went the wrong way.” Vs. What did I do to cause the animal to react that way?

Flight or Pressure Zone n The boundary which indicates to the animal that you are too close n Inside the zone produces activity and movement. n Outside the zone stops or slows down movement and activity. n These zones must be identified early!!

Approaching Cattle n Never approach head on. n Initial approach in the pressure zone should be cautious and observant. n Do not approach directly behind n Do not follow too far behind them. n Cattle have a blind spot directly behind them and have poor depth perception.

Handling Secrets n Approach pressure zone at an angle. n Position your self to the side of the animal avoid the blind spot. n Move close enough for the animal to see you. n Use a back and forth pressure technique. n Walk in straight lines not curves.

Handling Secrets n Keep animals in the direction you want. n Increase and decrease pressure to encourage movement. n Let animals move in the direction they are headed and follow other animals if possible. n When applying pressure work toward the front or the head.

Handling Secrets n When pressuring a group pressure the front animals. n Stay quiet when pressuring or moving animals. n Moving parallel to livestock will slow them down n Work in a T - design to the direction you are headed.

Livestock Facility Tips n All working facilities should be planned and well organized. n Lighting should be even and constant. No harsh contrasts of light. n Eliminate shadows n Noise reduction. Rubber stops and sliding gates.

Livestock Facility Tips n Design chutes either working or loading to be single file. n Keep floor level or texture consistent. n Reduce all foreign or moving objects from the working area. n Create shields or blinds for workers to stand behind.

Livestock Facility Tips n Locate drains and metal grates outside working area. n Working alleys need to have solid sides. The animal should see only one way out. Cut gates should be see through. n Concrete surfaces should be deeply grooved and level to prevent slippage. n Curved chutes work better than straight.

Livestock Handling Tips n Position a walkway beside of and outside the pens and chutes for workers to facilitate movement.

Livestock Wisdom n Animals have very little patience you should have more. n Stress is a major contributor to economic losses. n All animals are potentially dangerous. For every livestock death there are 400 disabling injuries.

Livestock Wisdom n Allow the animal to do what you want it to do. n Always strive to design facilities and environments that reduce stress. n Animals have a memory and they do remember. n Common sense is a wonderful livestock working tool when used wisely.