Beef cattle Flashcards
how many cattle related fatalities in canada were there between 2011-2020
15
2%
how can we apply appropriate level of pressure and restraint
calm animals are easier to handle
reduce shrinkage at shipping, injuriies and stress-related disorders
what is normal behaviour
strong herding behaviour
animals of prey
calm movements, curious/attentive towards surroundings
how do we asses response reactions
flight zone and withdrawal movements
what is a flight zone
shoulder area in a line of sight
that pushes the cow forward
what tools are used to move animals
paddle sorting stick flag that extends
they dont hit or touch the animals they just extend a persons reach
electric prods are not in routine
forceful tail twist
how do you properly apply the tail twist
1/3 or a way down twisting the tail up in an unnatural position causing them to step forward
what happends if you dont release the tail
the tail could break
they wont learn to step forward
what is the point of balance
imaginary point or line around the shoulders that the handeler uses to control the cow
how do you read space
space between animals in a chute it ok and reflection of confort and non desire to bunch
what is the black cave effect
caattle may refuse to enter a dark building
what kind of flooring do you need
avoid slip flooring
prevent slipping from urination and defication
put matts down to prevent slipping
use also sand and shavings
what may cause cattle to refuse to move
anything new will cause them to be stressed and cause them not to move
distractions
what causes dangerous situations
bad habits
rush
overconfidence
What type of aggressive behaviours are there
territorial/sex related
fear induced : confined or cornered animals that feel threatened
maternal
organic origin : irritable state elicited by a broad range of health issues
mock fighting - play behaviour to refine motor skills
intrumental aggression - reinforced
what is the most agressive forms
mock fighting, instrumental aggression
how do cattle show aggression
horns and head to charge
kick with hind legs to the side
what causes aggression in farm species
mixing of unfamiliar animals
competition over food
spacial factors and over corwding
frutration fear and pain
what indicates behaviour change
ear position
head and tail position
pawing the ground
erractic movements
tail flicking
bellowing - very loud in destress
how to plan in advance in dangerous situations
dont put yourself in situations of risk
think of an exit route in advance
learn to read body language
how to properly capture and contain
be patient and dont rush
work with another person
avoid quick movements and loud noises
plan an escape route
avoid leading cattle into an enclosed area (trailer)
never wrap or tie a lead rope around yourself
what affiliative hehaviours do they show
allogrooming
allofeeding/food sharing
behaviour synchrony
spacial proximity
what are affilitive behaviours
social interactions that function to reinforce social bonds with a group or which are of mutual benefit to all animals involved in the interaction
what two things do you need for a hierarchy
memory and cognition
an order od individuals or groups of individuals in a social structure based on some ability or characteristics
what is feeding frequency
more deliveries more stable consumption
what is feed bunk managment
ad libitum, clean bunk restricted
what is consistency of feeding
irregular schedules may cause aniamls to ingest larger quantities of feed during a short time
what are the steps of male proceptive behaviours
detection - flehmen sign, pheromones, genital region
courtship - physical contact (kicks, headbutts and biting), vocolization, urination, salivation
verification - mounting attempts
mating and coital behaviour - mounting and clasping, intercourse and ejaculation
what is refractory period
immediately following ejaculation during which the male is unresponsive to further stimulation
absolute - right after intercourse
relative - after a few minutes, renewed sexual interest and can engage in sexual activity
what are female proceptive behaviours
showing receptivity and invitation
- pheromones
- behaviours: increased physical activity - walking sniffing flehman head butting chasing mountin
- restlessness
- decreased intake and milk production
- vocalizations
- willingness to accpet courtship and copulatory attempts
- immobility
sign of standing heat
what is the importance of knowing reproductive behaviours
visual
activity monitors
teasers
maternal behaviour before at and after birth
before: calving location, increased, separated from the herd
at: grooming bond, hiding calf, nursing
after: strength maternal bond, communication adn vocalization, lactation
what is the difference between experienced mothers and inexperienced
more fearful of offspring
bonding and attachment slower
more reliant on sensory cues from the calf
more disturbed and distracted by the behaviou of others and environment
what are accelerometers
cowmanager or sense hub
ear temperature, eating, ruminating, activity
