Working with cattle requires a special approach that takes into account their natural behavior and helps minimize risks for both people and animals, enhancing Cattle Welfare in the process.
Keeping cattle calm
Cattle are easier to manage when they are calm. They can be frightened by loud noises, aggressive handling, or unfamiliar objects. To calm cattle, use a soft voice, rhythmic sounds, and avoid sudden movements. Electric prods should only be used as a last resort. These measures contribute significantly to improving Cattle Welfare.
Recognizing danger signals
Understanding the signals that cattle give helps prevent injuries. For example, a raised head or low, angled horns may indicate aggression, while a tail swinging back and forth can signal irritation.
Gentle handling approach
Rough and aggressive handling causes stress in cattle, making them harder to manage. It is important to consider the “flight zone”—the distance at which an animal begins to move away in response to human presence. Calm and confident actions within this zone allow for effective direction of the animals.
Use of tools
To manage cattle more effectively, it is recommended to use sticks or waddies (sticks with a flag attached at the end), which help guide the animals and make the handler appear larger.
Personal safety
Working with cattle involves a risk of injuries, so it is important to wear protective equipment:
- Shoes with steel toe caps protect feet from impacts.
- Durable clothing and gloves reduce the risk of bruises and cuts.
- Always plan escape routes in advance to avoid injuries in emergencies.
Optimizing Training with Video Monitoring
Cattle Care Video Monitoring can be an invaluable tool for training workers in the holding area. It helps identify weak points in the team’s handling techniques during loading. Often, poor handling is not due to intentional abuse but to a lack of understanding of cattle behavior and movement logic. For example:
- If a cow is moving toward the alley, physically forcing her to go faster is often counterproductive.
- The cow may turn away from the alley to avoid the perceived pressure, further complicating the process.
By integrating video monitoring into training programs, teams can better align their practices with Cattle Welfare Enhancement, ensuring both worker safety and improved animal well-being. The correct approach to cattle handling ensures the health and safety of everyone involved and improves work efficiency.
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