3/18/04

Contacts:
Rachel E. Martin, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, remartin@iastate.edu
Byron Leu, ISU Extension livestock field specialist, (641) 472-4166, bleu@iastate.edu

Grandin Shares Handling Techniques with Cow/Calf Producers

AMES, Iowa - Historically, farmers and ranchers have pushed cattle through sorting pens and chutes without wondering if that stress to their animals could affect their bottom line. Temple Grandin, associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University, is changing the way handlers think about their livestock handling processes.

Grandin is known as the nation's foremost expert of humane livestock handling and recently spoke with producers at the Cornbelt Cow/Calf Conference in Ottumwa, Iowa. She offered her practical advice to reduce animal stress during handling and make the process easier.

"Reducing stress during handling will improve productivity and prevent physiological changes that may result in lower productivity," says Grandin. In addition to lower productivity, Grandin says that handling stresses can lower conception rates and reduce both immune and rumen function.

An understanding of the behavior of livestock will facilitate handling, reduce stress, and improve the safety and welfare of both handler and animal. To that end, Grandin emphasizes four animal traits that livestock handlers should consider. Those traits are livestock vision, 'ear radar', flight zone/point of balance and previous experiences.

Livestock have wide-angle vision. Consequently, Grandin recommends that loading ramps and handling chutes have solid sidewalls to prevent animals from seeing distraction outside the chute. Additionally, blocking vision will stop escape attempts. A cow's dichromatic vision may also make her more sensitive to sudden movement, as well as shadows and anything that has high contrast of light and dark.

Second, a handler should be familiar with what Grandin calls 'ear radar.' "Grazing animals, including cattle, will point their ears towards things that concern them." If an animal is extremely alarmed or about to attack, both ears will be pointed backwards. Additionally, loud or sudden noises can affect temperament and performance.

The next trait of importance is the animal's flight zone and point of balance, which Grandin describes as the animal's 'personal space.' "Understanding the flight zone can reduce stress and help prevent accidents to handlers," notes Grandin. The 'point of balance' is located generally at the animal's shoulder. A handler can dictate where and how fast the animal moves depending on where he is, relative to the point of balance. For instance, to make an animal move forward, the handler should stand behind the point of balance, or towards the animal's hindquarters. To cause the animal to back up, the handler should stand in front of the point of balance.

Last but not least, an animal's previous experiences should be considered. "Animals remember painful or frightening experiences," says Grandin. Likewise, research shows that calves accustomed to regular, gentle handling have fewer injuries during marketing or moving.

Of course, other behavior factors should be considered for effective livestock handling, including genetic differences across breeds, stress as a result from isolation from herd mates, handler dominance and environmental stimulation. Grandin says, "Handlers who understand livestock behavior can reduce stress considerably." For more information, visit www.grandin.com.

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