By Blake Jackson
Good livestock handling practices are essential for ensuring animal comfort and safety. Accidents often occur during routine activities like feeding, handling, loading, and transporting. Understanding animal behavior is crucial for safe handling.
Livestock are social animals that enjoy company but also value routine. They prefer handlers to be within their line of sight and avoid head-on or rear approaches.
An animal's shoulder is its balance point, and approaching from this area can influence its movement.
Many livestock have a herd mentality, and negative reactions from a leader can lead to aggression in the entire herd. Signs of aggression include pawing the ground, forward movement, snorting, and vocalization.
Loud noises and sudden movements can startle animals, while changes in lighting can also cause alarm. Livestock have poor depth perception, so handling areas should have uniform illumination and be painted a single color.
Male livestock can be territorial, and handlers should be cautious around females who have recently given birth.
Proper maintenance of equipment in handling and loading areas is crucial. Check gates, fences, pens, and trailers for sturdiness and safety.
Wearing personal protective equipment is essential when handling livestock. Steel-toed boots, leather gloves, and a hard hat can protect against hooves and slipping. Proper ventilation is also important to minimize respiratory issues.
National Farm Safety & Health Week highlights additional handling tips:
- Design livestock pens and handling plans to allow safe entry and exit points.
- Keep children and bystanders away from handling areas.
- Maintain dry floors in handling areas.
- Practice good hygiene and biosecurity.
- Double-check latches, hitches, and chains on trailers before loading animals.
By following these practices, farmers can create a safer and more comfortable environment for both livestock and humans.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Missouri, Livestock