Low Stress Handling

Question 1

4 basic principles of cattle behavior

Answer 1

1. cattle want to see you
2. cattle want to go around you
3. cattle want to go to and be around other cattle
4. cattle can only think of one thing at a time

Question 2

what are some examples of cattle balking at novel items in working facilities?

Answer 2

• change in contrast of shadows and light
• getting a cow to step off a trailer on the blue floor in the VTH
• going from concrete to dirt or vice versa
• going into a barn the first time

Question 3

a good stockman will stay __ and __when working cattle

Answer 3

quiet, patient

Question 4

what is low stress handling?

Answer 4

• cattle respond to appropriate release of pressure
• pulling cattle around you rather than pushing from behind
• minimal to no use of sticks, prods, yelling and running

Question 5

a cow is very interested if they use ___ but only making sure you are there if using__

Answer 5

both eyes (depth perception), one eye

Question 6

how can you use the flight zone in a low stress manner?

Answer 6

use slight movements in and out of the flight zone and across the point of balance

Question 7

make cattle speed up

Answer 7

walk against their direction of travel

Question 8

make cattle slow down

Answer 8

walk with them

Question 9

to make cattle go forward

Answer 9

walk towards their tail

Question 10

to make cattle go backwards

Answer 10

walk toward their head

Question 11

describe the difference between a tail jack and twist tail.

Answer 11

Tail jack used to immobilize or take blood while a tail twist is used to encourage them to move forward. Make sure you twist and release -> use positive reinforcement

Question 12

where should the calf be if you’re trying to move it and mom?

Answer 12

between you and the cow

Question 13

t/f: cattle can only think of one thing at a time

Answer 13

t

Question 14

whats different about a bull from a cow?

Answer 14

He won’t look directly at you because he wants to present his biggest profile and is very difficult to move from his territory

Question 15

10 keys to effective cattle handling

Answer 15

1. only way to work cattle is quickly and slowly
2. work from the front to draw cattle to you
3. apply pressure only when cattle have a place to go
4. pressure from the side
5. cattle must be comfortable to go by you and stay straight
6. pressure cattle from behind only when absolutely necessary
7. when working cattle, move in straight lines and triangles
8. going with the flow of cattle slows them down or stops their movement
9. going against the flow of cattle initiates or accelerates their movement
10. cattle work best when they are ready -you have to get them there

Question 16

grandin handling system

Answer 16

cattle want to return to where they came from -> circular chutes

Question 17

bud box handling

Answer 17

put cows in line to the chute but does so in a way that they think they are exiting the box/enclosure