Animal Handling & Movement Flashcards
How does the flight zone of an animal vary
Depending on how “tame” the animal is, how calm it is
Gets bigger when an animal becomes excited
Bigger when you approach head on (can’t get as close)
When the handler is outside vs inside the flight zone
Outside = animal turns and faces the handler, maintains safe distance
Inside = animals will turn away
What is the point of balance
At the animal’s shoulder
Livestock will move forward if handler is behind the point of balance, back up if the handler stands in front of the point of balance
How can a handler move animals through a chute using point of balance
Handler walks past the point of balance in the opposite direction of each animal in the chute, animals move forwards
Slides 10, 11, 13
Chute systems, out of pen
How do we move animals in an open area
Handler alternates between penetrating the collective flight zone and withdrawing from the collective flight zone
Alternating pressure > continuous
How do herds move with relation to point of balance
Next animal behind the leader is positioned just behind the leader’s point of balance
How do we change movement direction
Animals must all be walking in same direction before attempting
Control direction of good movement by moving to the left to make cattle turn right and vice versa
What is the bud williams method
Stimulus is person simulating predator stalking behaviour, elicits predatory avoidance behaviour
Predator locates herd, slowly surveys it by walking in cirular direction
Handler moves at normal walking speed, steady, deliberate, no noise such as whistling or yelling
Causes bunching
Problem with bud williams method
Predator circling can cause uneasiness and anxiety which can become fear and flight
What do you do if animals become too excited in the bud williams method
Must be allowed to calm down for at least 30 mins before next attempt
Slide 20
Bud williams method
How full should the crowd pen be
No more than 3/4 full
How should the one-way or sliding gate be positioned when animals enter
Should be open when they are brought in, might balk at closed gate, need to see through
How to check the chute before sending animals in
Go in, see what they see (e.g. litter on the ground, see stuff through grating, loose chain hanging down, hat or coat on fence)
