Cattle Behavior Ms. Paulisich

Cattle Behavior Ethology- science of animal behavior Animal Behavior- pattern of action observed in animals that occurs either voluntary or involuntary. Herd- A social grouping of certain animals of the same species

Behavior Understanding behavior makes moving cattle easier Get the job done quicker Minimal effort Less stress to you & animal Fight disease Weight gain

Behavior Key to easy handling Approach quietly & slowly Few seconds to excite, 20-30 min to calm down Time is MONEY! Give animal & herd time to see you They want to see you

Behavior Advantages of good temperament Ease on handler Ease on facilities Ease on other animals Cattle have long term memories! Rank 1-5 1= tame 5= crazy, wild

Factors Affecting animal behavior Vision Depth Perception Noise More sensitive to high frequency noise Avoid loud noises Effects of different/new/change Strange handlers New chutes/ walkways Flight Zones- natural area of comfort & personal space

Flight Zone Bubble of security Use pressure & release Safe Unthreatened Use pressure & release Each animal is different Larger= wilder animals Smaller= tame

Flight Zone Wide angle vision See behind themselves without turning head Blind spot directly behind Startle Make nervous Be mindful about how you approach cattle

Flight Zone

How to utilize the Flight Zone Get too close, the animal moves When you retreat, they slow down or stop Walk or ride on the edge of this flight zone Pressing in= move away from you Speed up Ease up as a reward Press closer only if they stop

Utilizing the Flight Zone Forward= approach from behind shoulder Edge of flight zone, behind shoulders Backwards= approach in front shoulders If ahead of shoulder= turn away to back up Handler needs to walk inside flight zone in the opposite direction of desired movement

Working in smaller areas Corral Alleyway Barn Flight Zone larger

Temple Grandin Professor at Colorado State University Consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior Designer of livestock handling facilities Restraints Squeeze Chutes Slaughter houses

Temple Grandin "I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we've got to do it right. We've got to give those animals a decent life and we've got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect.“ —Temple Grandin

Facilities Distractions Improper lighting Open door Trash= curiosity Shadows cause animals to bulk Not move forward Improper lighting Open door Trash= curiosity Change in flooring Concrete to dirt Mats to metal Change in wall color & fencing

Facilities Solutions Solid sidings Shoots with solid sides Alley designs curved Easy movement Blocks what is up ahead Thinks they are going back

Facilities Cattle chute- Flight Zone Handlers movement pattern

Facilities Curved Chute- Flight Zone Handlers movement pattern

Halter Restraint Halter: Control movement Can place on cattle Tied to secure object Quick release knot Manger knot

Rope Work