Handling and Restraining Animals

Next Generation Science / Common Core Standards Addressed! CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1.c Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1.d Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.

Agriculture, FOOD, AND Natural Resource Standards Addressed AS.05.01. Design animal housing, equipment and handling facilities for the major systems of animal production. AS.05.01.02.b. Analyze the use of modern equipment, technology and handling facility procedures and determine if they enhance the safe, economic and sustainable production of animals.

Bell Work / unit objectives How does small animal versus large animal methods of restraint differ? Is it necessary to restrain companion animals during a routine examination? Explain the different categories of restraint.

Terms: Animal Behavior Animal Disposition Chute Herding Instinct Overdose Reaction Restraint Twitch

Animal restrain may be defined as - controlling the movement and activity of an animal to prevent injury to themselves and their handlers.

When is animal Restraint Needed? It is common practice to restrain animals during examination and treatment. It is not uncommon for food animals to be restrained numerous times from birth to slaughter. Companion animals are normally restrained for medical examinations and treatment.

Animal restraints have been utilized since domestication of animals began. Restraints of some type were common as animals were used for work, food and clothing.

When restraining animals the rules of thumb area: Use as little restraint as possible to complete the required procedure. Restraint requires a knowledge of a variety of animals as well as their behavior. Restraint also requires a knowledge of restraining devices that area available for use. Know how to use the minimum amount of restraint needed for the exam or procedure. The object of restraint is to protect the animal and the handler.

The type of restraint to be used is determined by: Handler safety Animal safety Size and type of animal Animal disposition Facilities available

What area the common forms of animal restraint? Chemical – injections Physical – chutes, ropes, snares, twitch Psychological – herding instinct in some animals

Psychological Restraint Psychological restraint requires a knowledge of the animals behavior. An example of psychological behavior would be the flocking (bunching) of sheep. When the sheep are crowded together it is easier to capture a specific animal. Horses can also be trained to stand during the hoof trimming and shoeing process using no restraints.

Physical restraint Physical restraint is the most common type of restraint used in working with companion and domestic food animals. Quite often manual force is applied to control and restrain the animal. Rope is the most common inexpensive form of restraint applied to animals. In addition to rope, halters, chutes, snares and twitches may also be used.

Chemical Restraint: Chemical restraint may vary from mild sedation to complete immobilization. Chemical restraint must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Chemical restraint has potential dangers – overdose, adverse reaction, cost and recovery reactions.

Rope restraint is probably the most common form of livestock restraint in production agriculture. Whether it is natural fiber such as cotton or synthetic nylon it is a very strong useful tool.

The veterinary assistant needs to be familiar with a variety of knots The veterinary assistant needs to be familiar with a variety of knots. Different knots and hitches have specific purpose. Knots attach rope to the animal as well as stationary objects.

Whipping or crowning the rope prevents unraveling Whipping or crowning the rope prevents unraveling. Synthetic rope may be burned to prevent unraveling.

The overhand knot is a simple knot the is easy to tie but not very functional.

The square knot is commonly used to join two separate pieces of rope together.

Surgeon’s knot- basically a square knot with an extra twist Surgeon’s knot- basically a square knot with an extra twist. This is an easy knot to tie and will not slip. Often used for sutures.

Reefers knot – a knot that will hold tight but can be released quickly to release the animal.

Bowline knot – a knot that will not slip but the loop will remain the same size. Commonly used around an animals neck as it will not slip and choke the animal being restrained.

Halter Tie Knot – a quick release knot used to attach a halter to a stationary post/rail etc.

Hitches may be referred to as tension knots, hitches secure an animal only when tension is applied to the working end of the knot.

The End!