Proper Livestock Handling Important

OMAHA (DTN) -- Proper livestock handling practices are important for both animal and human safety and can also improve animal comfort.

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, here are some tips provided by various sources on how to be safer around livestock.

Accidents happen often during common activities such as feeding, handling, loading and transporting, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Brenda Schreck in a news release.

She noted that animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin teaches that it is important to understand the behavioral characteristics of livestock to safely handle them.

HANDLE LIVESTOCK PROPERLY

Livestock like to keep handlers in their line of sight and do not like to be approached head-on or from directly behind -- both areas are considered blind spots for animals. An animal's shoulders are typically considered to be the point of balance, and how and where a handler enters this area will determine the direction the animal will move.

Schreck said many livestock animals have a herd mentality of "follow the leader": "If the leader reacts negatively, the rest of the herd follows. Signs of aggression include pawing the ground, aggressive forward movement, snorting and vocalization. Animals may also perk their ears or, depending on the species, pin them back. Handlers should always use caution when at the rear of any species of livestock to avoid getting kicked," she stated.

"Loud noises and sudden movement can startle animals and cause them to move away," she went on. Even something small, like changes in lighting, can potentially alarm the livestock. She recommended that the areas where livestock are going to be handled should have uniform illumination and be painted a single color.

Schreck said some male livestock can be territorial: Handlers should be aware and respectful when entering pens or pastures. Handlers should also practice caution around female livestock that have recently given birth since they can be dangerous, as they are protective of their young.

University of Minnesota Extension also had a recent report detailing livestock safety (https://extension.umn.edu/…). In a news release written by Extension educator Brenda Miller and Emily Krekelberg, Extension farm safety and health educator, they stated there are four basic principles of stockmanship: 1) the animal wants to see you; 2) the animal wants to go around you; 3) the animal wants to be around other animals; and 4) the animal can only think of one thing at a time.

"General stockmanship is a critical part of the safe transportation of animals. Remember when leading an animal, even though you have the halter, the animal is still in charge. Lead at a comfortable, normal pace for the animal," Miller and Krekelberg wrote.

"Try not to pull on the animal, as it can hurt their neck and will cause them to not cooperate. Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises to prevent startling the animal. If you're halter-breaking an animal for the show ring, remember they get tired too, so don't overdo it," they stressed.

TRANSPORTING SAFETY ALSO IMPORTANT

There are several safety precautions to keep in mind when moving livestock, Miller and Krekelberg wrote.

Before any livestock step into the trailer, look for any hazards. These could be things like loose floorboards, protruding nails, etc. Fix these issues before transporting livestock, they advised.

While in the trailer, also consider the floor. Producers might want to add bedding to help prevent animals from slipping.

Producers should also ensure the weight is distributed evenly along the sides of the trailer.

"Be sure to pay attention on the road, as moving livestock can shift the trailer's balance," the University of Minnesota news release stated. "Be mindful to drive slower than usual with a trailer loaded with livestock, so take your time," producers were advised. "While on the road, make sure you don't feel tired or fatigued."

CONSIDER LIVESTOCK FACILITIES, PPE

In addition to making sure trailers are in good shape, livestock producers should also make sure their handling facilities are in proper condition.

Schreck said to check gates, fences and pens for sturdiness and for sharp edges. Consider the design of livestock pens and handling plans. Use plans that allow for worker safety, including emergency exits.

Karen Funkenbusch, a University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist, said those who handle livestock should utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).

Steel-toed safety boots with nonskid soles can protect against hooves and slipping. Leather gloves and hard hats also provide protection.

"Consider proper ventilation to minimize dust and molds that could cause respiratory issues," she added.

MORE LIVESTOCK HANDLING TECHNIQUES

Schreck gave a few other tips to refresh handling techniques:

-- Keep children and bystanders away from livestock handling areas. Label areas to warn visitors to keep away.

-- Keep floors as dry as possible in handling areas to avoid falling on slippery surfaces.

-- Practice good hygiene and biosecurity to avoid transmitting disease.

-- Double-check latches, hitches and chains on trailers before loading livestock to transport.

Oklahoma State University Extension has a publication titled "Cattle Handling Safety Consideration" with more advice at https://extension.okstate.edu/….

More information can be found at the following websites:

-- National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (http://www.necasag.org/…)

-- Dr. Temple Grandin's Website (http://grandin.com/…)

-- National Farm Safety and Health Week 2024 (https://www.necasag.org/…)

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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