1. Cattle Behavior
Ms. Paulisich

2. Cattle Behavior Ethology- science of animal behavior
Animal Behavior- pattern of action observed in animals that occurs either voluntary or involuntary.
Herd- A social grouping of certain animals of the same species

3. Behavior Understanding behavior makes moving cattle easier
Get the job done quicker
Minimal effort
Less stress to you & animal
Fight disease
Weight gain

4. Behavior Key to easy handling Approach quietly & slowly
Few seconds to excite, min to calm down
Time is MONEY!
Give animal & herd time to see you
They want to see you

5. Behavior Advantages of good temperament Ease on handler
Ease on facilities
Ease on other animals
Cattle have long term memories!
Rank 1-5
1= tame
5= crazy, wild

6. Factors Affecting animal behavior
Vision
Depth Perception
Noise
More sensitive to high frequency noise
Avoid loud noises
Effects of different/new/change
Strange handlers
New chutes/ walkways
Flight Zones- natural area of comfort & personal space

7. Flight Zone Bubble of security Use pressure & release
Safe
Unthreatened
Use pressure & release
Each animal is different
Larger= wilder animals
Smaller= tame

8. Flight Zone Wide angle vision
See behind themselves without turning head
Blind spot directly behind
Startle
Make nervous
Be mindful about how you approach cattle

9. Flight Zone

10. How to utilize the Flight Zone
Get too close, the animal moves
When you retreat, they slow down or stop
Walk or ride on the edge of this flight zone
Pressing in= move away from you
Speed up
Ease up as a reward
Press closer only if they stop

11. Utilizing the Flight Zone
Forward= approach from behind shoulder
Edge of flight zone, behind shoulders
Backwards= approach in front shoulders
If ahead of shoulder= turn away to back up
Handler needs to walk inside flight zone in the opposite direction of desired movement

12. Working in smaller areas
Corral
Alleyway
Barn
Flight Zone larger

13. Temple Grandin Professor at Colorado State University
Consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior
Designer of livestock handling facilities
Restraints
Squeeze Chutes
Slaughter houses

14. Temple Grandin
"I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we've got to do it right. We've got to give those animals a decent life and we've got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect.“
—Temple Grandin

15. Facilities Distractions Improper lighting Open door Trash= curiosity
Shadows cause animals to bulk
Not move forward
Improper lighting
Open door
Trash= curiosity
Change in flooring
Concrete to dirt
Mats to metal
Change in wall color & fencing

16. Facilities Solutions Solid sidings Shoots with solid sides
Alley designs curved
Easy movement
Blocks what is up ahead
Thinks they are going back

17. Facilities
Cattle chute- Flight Zone
Handlers movement pattern

18. Facilities
Curved Chute- Flight Zone
Handlers movement pattern

19. Halter Restraint Halter: Control movement Can place on cattle
Tied to secure object
Quick release knot
Manger knot

20. Rope Work