Cattle Restraint Flashcards
You direct a cow through an alleyway that decreases in size and then through a gate. At the front of the device is a _______, which is used to restrain the cow’s head.
stanchion
How do you approach and capture Cattle?
Approach the cattle slowly, observing their body language closely while making sure to stay out of their escape route otherwise you may be trampled.
Herd the animals to the examination area and direct the selected cattle into a cattle chute.
You can herd the cattle by urging them with your voice or by gently prodding them.
How do you get dairy cows into their stalls?
Most dairy cows are driven to the barn door and they find their way to their own stalls, which holds them while they’re being milked; some stalls are designed to restrain them as well.
How do you approach a Cow in a Stall?
Approach a cow in a stall as you would a horse; slowly and on the left side.
What Equipment is used for Handling and Restraining Cattle?
Bull Staff: A bull staff is a long handled metal rod with a large hook on the end; it is used to restrain a bull’s head by clipping onto it’s nose ring.
Cattle Chute: A cattle chute is an examination area large enough for one animal; it often has poles for cross-tying and an opening to hold the animal’s head.
Stanchion: A stanchion is the opening of a cattle chute which is used to hold an animal’s head.
Casting Rope: A rope used to put an animal on it’s side.
Halter: A halter is a tool used to restrain a cow’s head in place; it is similar to a horse’s halter and can be made of leather straps or rope.
Milking Hobble: A milking hobble is a type of hobble that is made of two metal bands connected by a chain.
Hobbles: A hobble is a tool used to prevent a cow from kicking; there are various types of hobbles that can be placed on the cow’s rear legs, just above the hock and so on.
Nose Lead: A nose lead is a pair of large metal tongs with large ball-shaped ends; it is used to control an animal’s head when a halter is not sufficient.
How do you improvise a Rope Halter for a Cow?
Make a loop in the rope and pass it around the cow’s neck so it falls behind it’s ears, then pull the free end through the first loop and over the nose, which forms a second loop that acts as the noseband then use the end of the rope to control and lead the animal.
How do put a Nose Lead on a Cow?
Place the ball-shaped ends into the nostrils to gently squeeze the nasal septum, then tie the nose lead to one of the poles at the front of the cattle chute.
How do you cross-tie a bull by its nose ring?
To cross-tie a bull by it’s nose ring, tie two lead ropes to the ring and tie them to opposite poles of a cattle chute.
What is Tail-Jacking and how do you do it?
Tail jacking is a technique used to distract an animal during a procedure by lifting up it’s tail.
To tail-jack a cattle:
Grab the tail nearest the cow’s body with both hands; then lift up the tail gently while making sure to keep it aligned with the animal’s spine.
How do you tie a Cattle’s Tail?
Grab a rope 18 inches from one end and locate the end of the tail’s last vertebra and lay the rope across it, then fold the rest of the tail over the loop and pass the short end behind the tail making a large loop. Bring the loop over the folded tail and pass it through the rope that is looped under the tail; then pull the longer end to tighten it.
Use the rope to tie the tail to the cow’s front leg or neck; never tie it to a fixed object.
What is a Casting Rope and how do you use it on Cattle?
A casting rope is a tool used to put an animal on it’s side; this tool requires the animal to wear a strong halter or nose lead.
To use a casting rope on cattle:
Place the rope across the cattle’s back and allow the ends to fall between it’s forelegs and cross them under the sternum; pull the ends up and cross them over the cattle’s back and allow the ends to fall near the cattle’s rear legs, then pass the ends through the rear legs and pull; this will make the cattle lie down. Now use the rope to guide the animal on it’s side.
What precaution should you take while restraining a Calf?
If you are going to restrain a calf make sure to separate it from it’s mother because cows are very protective of their young and may charge you if she sense her baby in danger.
How do you pick up a small calf that weights 80 Ibs. or less
Place one arm in front of the calf’s chest and place the other arm behind it’s hindquarters, once your arms are around the calf; lift up.
To handle larger calves use a rope halter or herd them to the examination area.
How are Cattle Transported?
Cattle are transported in fully loaded trailers; so the animals cannot move around.
Cows on the other hand are normally transported in smaller trailers similar to horses.
