Stockmanship Flashcards
When interacting with herds what should you be mindful of
When interacting with herd animals, it is important to keep in mind their natural behavior and social dynamics to maintain a safe, quiet, and ordered environment. Here are some tips:
Approach the animals slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that may startle them.
Respect their personal space and avoid getting too close, as this can be perceived as a threat. A safe distance will depend on the specific animal and its temperament, but a general rule is to stay at least a few feet away.
Avoid making direct eye contact with the animals, as this can be perceived as a threat or challenge.
Speak in a quiet, soothing tone to help keep the animals calm and relaxed.
Observe the animals’ behavior and body language to gauge their level of comfort or agitation. Signs of discomfort or aggression include raised tails, pinned ears, or tense body posture.
Be mindful of the herd dynamics and social hierarchy, as interfering or disrupting these can cause stress and agitation among the animals.
If interacting with animals in an enclosed space, ensure that there is enough room for them to move around and avoid overcrowding.
Avoid separating individuals from the herd or disrupting the group dynamics, as this can cause stress and anxiety.
Compare and contrast the general behaviour of the major livestock species and be able to recognise signs of agitation and aggression.
Livestock species can display a wide range of behaviors, and it is important for animal handlers to be able to recognize and understand these behaviors to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and the handlers.
Here is a brief comparison of the general behavior of some major livestock species, as well as some common signs of agitation and aggression:
Cattle: Cattle are generally docile and curious animals, but can become agitated or aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Signs of agitation may include raised tails, pinned ears, head shaking, and pawing the ground. Aggressive behavior may involve charging, head-butting, or kicking.
Sheep: Sheep are generally gentle and timid animals, but can become stressed or aggressive if they feel threatened or overcrowded. Signs of agitation may include restlessness, nervousness, and vocalization. Aggressive behavior may involve charging, biting, or head-butting.
Pigs: Pigs are social animals and can display a range of behaviors depending on their environment and social dynamics. Signs of agitation may include vocalization, restlessness, and aggression towards other pigs. Aggressive behavior may involve biting, charging, or pushing.
Horses: Horses are highly social animals and are sensitive to their surroundings and interactions with humans. Signs of agitation may include snorting, pawing the ground, or raising their head and neck. Aggressive behavior may involve biting, kicking, or rearing up.
Identify the key factors associated in preventing injury to operators, others, and animals.
Preventing injury to operators, others, and animals is crucial in livestock handling. Some key factors associated with preventing injury include:
Proper training: Livestock handlers must receive proper training on how to safely handle animals, as well as how to operate equipment and use facilities to prevent injury.
Adequate facilities: Adequate facilities such as handling chutes, pens, and gates should be designed to keep animals and handlers safe.
Appropriate equipment: Proper equipment, such as headgates, halters, and chutes, should be used to control and move animals safely.
Awareness of animal behaviour: Handlers must be aware of the behaviour of the animals they are working with and understand how to read their body language to predict and avoid potential problems.
Proper use of physical force: Handlers should use physical force only when necessary and in a manner that does not harm the animal or the handler.
Limiting noise and distractions: Loud noises, sudden movements, and distractions can cause animals to become agitated, so handlers should limit these as much as possible.
Safe handling techniques: Handlers should use safe handling techniques such as walking behind the animal’s shoulder, keeping a safe distance from the animal, and avoiding sudden movements.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE): Handlers should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, boots, and helmets, to protect themselves from injury while handling livestock.
What is stockmanship
Stockmanship refers to the art of handling livestock in a safe, efficient, and humane manner, taking into account the behavioral characteristics of different species of animals.
Why have good stockmanship
Good stockmanship can result in increased productivity and profitability, as well as improved animal welfare and reduced stress for both the animals and their handlers.
What to think about when approaching animals
There blind spots
Think about their vision
What handling aids are used for livestock
Sorting sticks: used to guide and move animals through chutes and alleys
Paddles: used to encourage animals to move forward or to redirect them
Flags: used to signal to the animal or to draw their attention
Halters and leads: used to restrain and guide individual animals
Head gates: used to restrain an animal for veterinary procedures or other tasks
Chutes and alleys: designed to create a safe and controlled environment for moving animals
Crowd gates: used to move animals in a controlled manner in and out of pens or trailers
When will animals not do what you want
Stressed
Isolated
Scarred
Light/dark
Ground level distraction
When things aren’t clear
When group sizes are too large
What animals can be more dangerous
Uncastrated males
Mothers with young
I’ll animals
Animals in heat
