Ruminant Behavior Flashcards
Where do ruminants have a blind spot?
Rear and narrow vision in front
What is the trade off of high field of view? Example complication?
Poor clarity; shadows can look like holes
What is a special olfactory tool of ruminants?
Can pass pheromones to other animals to signal threats
What is best practice regarding handling facilities?
Make sure animals are acclimated to handling systems
Relationship between cattle?
Dominant-subordinate relationship and matriarchial
What are examples of novel objects?
-Shiny metal
-Flapping paper towels
-Dangling chains
-Coats on fences
What is the best handling equipment?
Flags, paddles
How do cattle prove initial dominance?
head butting
mounting
chasing
displacement
How do cattle move? Dominant position and leader role?
Single file line
Middle
High seeking behaviors, low in fear
Difference between HA relationships of dairy and cattle?
Dairy -More reliant on humans
Beef- more protective over calves
What are the do’s of animal handling?
Approach from animal’s point of view, use flight zone, move slowly, speak calm tones, take breaks
What are the don’ts of animal handling?
Yell, stand in blind spots, fast or sudden movements, hit animal, sharp shadows, move animal forward with no where to go, isolate animals, overcrowd animals
What are the rules for electric prods?
ONLY for adults
Animals must have forward movement
Use sparingly
Never apply to sensitive areas
Social hierarchy of sheep?
Fluid
Dominant-lead
Contains family units
Ram/ewes separate during breeding season
What is the structure of sheep?
Mutual protection and shared resources
When conducting a physical exam on a single sheep, what should you not do?
Isolate it
What number of sheep is required minimum for normal flocking behavior?
Five
What is dominance determined by (in goats)?
Age
Sex
Horns
What does it mean if a sheep separates from the flock?
Sickness
Social structure of goats?
Fluid, limit aggression
What is pecking order determined by (in goats)?
Headbutting
What are the dominant male roles in goats?
Protecting herd and guarding rear
What is the dominant female role in goats?
leads herd to grazing areas
Difference between goat and sheep behavior?
Goats are more curious so they may range further
Engage in play behaviors
Interact more/curious about humans
Negative interaction affect on fear and interaction? Examples of negative human animal interactions?
Increases fear and avoids contact
Abrupt movements, pushing, shouting, kicking, electric prods.
What do cows remember?
Which humans approach them gently
Neutral interaction affect on fear and interaction? Examples?
Fear decreases but still avoidant behavior
Gentle handling, gentle use of sticks and flags
Positive interaction affect on fear and interaction? Examples?
fear absent and physical contact
Slow movements, whispers, petting
Averse handling results?
Increased dirtiness
Decreased pregnancy rates
Decreased fetus survival
Decreased meat tenderness
Gentle handling results?
Increased milk yield
Lower cortisol
Increased HA interactions
Positive effect on maternal care
Provide examples of fear responses in cattle.
Heads up w/ ears alert
Ears pinned back
Defecation
Tail swishing
Milling
Provide examples of fear responses in goats.
Cowering
Head lowering
Fleeing
Increased HR/RR
Sweating
