1. The Principles of Stress-Free Cattle Handling
Are you looking for tips on cattle handling plans? It is important that cattle handling be carried out safely and
effectively, but with these pointers, cattle can be handled in a sound and stress-free way! You can join the
movement towards responsible cattle handling systems by remembering these basic facts.
To understand how
cattle move with
respect to their
handlers, you may
want to observe the
positions of
experienced livestock
handlers. Cattle are
aware of where their
handlers stand, and can usually be seen in any sport except for small spots immediately in front or behind them,
called the blind spots. When moving cattle from behind, it is best to keep moving from side to side, effectively
keeping the cattle from straying and ensuring that they walk into your line of sight. Always point them in the
direction that you want them to go. Instead of forcing them to change direction quickly, making them walk in a
straight line towards their destination will make the journey comfortable for them.
Remember: it is instinctive for cattle handling equipment to keep to their herds for fear of animals that prey on
them. So it's important to keep in mind that cattle like other cattle around them! Keeping them in a herd will make
your job easier; you can then choose to either lead this herd from the front or follow them from the back. It is very
dangerous, however, for any animal that is used to keeping to a herd to stay alone in a pen or a shed, especially if
it is open.
Now that you've got these the rudimentary ideas down, you are ready to make your first impression on cattle. The
first impression can very quickly have cattle favor you; and, moreover, you can only make a first impression once!
When you start, be well aware that cattle are not comfortable with too much pressure on them. As a cattle
handler, patience must be your greatest virtue: cattle move very slowly, so it is vital that you move at their pace. If
they aren't afraid of you, it is easy to draw the cattle, slowly, towards you from the front. This way, they will walk
towards you and then past you in a straight line until they have reached their destination. However, this will only
work if you do not threaten or scold. Cattle must trust you wholly for them to follow you. You can also choose to
apply pressure from the sides, although you must take the take to get to know your cattle first; different animals
react to different places and intensities of pressure differently. Finally, you may choose to follow them, driving
them from behind. But this is the least comfortable for the cattle, as it is very hard for them to turn around and see
you. If they choose to look around, you will be distracting them from the straight line towards their destination.
It is as important to keep your cattle handling wholesome as it is to keep them safe. Make sure you spend lots of
time with them on the field and provide them with healthy food for a good start!
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This content has been taken from : http://sscharterstowers.wordpress.com/2014/03/18/the-principles-of-stress-
free-cattle-handling/