Fake news is a term we hear thrown around a lot these days. From politics to pop culture, fake news has permeated every aspect of our lives, including the cattle industry. One area where fake news has been especially prevalent is in the realm of low-stress cattle handling tips. But how do you separate the fact from the fiction? How do you navigate the sea of misinformation to ensure that the handling tips you incorporate into your operation are truly low stress? Let’s take a closer look.
When evaluating low-stress cattle handling tips, the first step is to check your sources. Are they reputable? Do other cattle handlers recommend the same tips? Are they consistent with other low-stress handling techniques you have learned and implemented? It’s essential to do your due diligence and ensure that the tips you are following are backed by sound principles and proven practices.
Next, consider the perspective of the cattle. As a seasoned handler, you have a deep understanding of how cattle react and what triggers stress in a herd. Trust your instincts. If a tip doesn’t feel right or if it seems to agitate the cattle rather than calm them, it may be best to steer clear. Remember, with low-stress cattle handling, it’s crucial to go slow in order to move fast.
Now, let’s debunk some of the common fake news surrounding low-stress cattle handling tips:
1. Filling the crowd pen
Cattle are social animals and thrive in the company of their herdmates. However, filling the crowd pen to capacity can be stressful for cattle. When crowded together, they feel cramped and unable to move freely, increasing their stress levels. To keep stress to a minimum, only fill the crowd pen to half of its capacity.
2. Crowd the cattle
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to crowd cattle or invade their flight zone to get them moving. Cattle are sensitive animals, and a subtle movement or gesture is often all it takes to prompt them to move. Utilize the flight zone to your advantage and let it guide the cattle’s movement naturally.
3. Not understanding sight lines
Proper sight lines are crucial in a cattle-handling system. Some areas require open sight lines, while others benefit from solid sides. Understanding where to place sight lines can significantly reduce stress during handling. Remember, good lighting is a key component of low-stress handling, as cattle are drawn to light.
4. Extra gates in the crowd pen
Some fake news suggests leaving a larger area in your handling system instead of adding extra gates to separate cattle. In reality, having more gates and smaller groups of cattle can help reduce stress and allow for smoother movement through the system. Properly placed gates with open sight lines can make a significant difference in keeping stress levels low.
5. Cattle handling is quickly learned
Effective cattle handling techniques, especially low-stress methods, require ongoing learning and improvement. Handling cattle is a skill that evolves over time, and even experienced handlers should seek regular updates and learning opportunities to refine their techniques. Continuous learning is key to ensuring that your skills are always at their best.
6. Acclimating cattle
Some sources claim that using low-stress handling techniques eliminates the need to acclimate cattle to new situations or handling systems. This is false. Acclimating cattle is an essential practice in low-stress handling, as it helps them adapt to new environments and reduces their stress levels. Remember, patience is key in low-stress handling, and taking the time to acclimate cattle properly will pay off in the long run.
In a world filled with fake news, it’s crucial to approach low-stress cattle handling with a critical eye. By debunking the myths and focusing on proven practices, we can ensure that our cattle are handled with care and respect. Let’s work together to eliminate fake news and promote true low-stress handling techniques in the cattle industry.
For more information on acclimating cattle or low-stress handling equipment, check out the resources below. And remember, with low-stress cattle handling, slow and steady wins the race.
Resources:
- Low Stress Cattle Handling is Not Low Pressure Cattle Handling
- Low Stress Cattle Handling Strategies
- Stress-Free Handling
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Cattle
Remember, in the world of low-stress cattle handling, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and keep your cattle happy and healthy.
Dana Charban is a Manager of Content Strategies and a Journalist for Arrowquip, with a background in agriculture and farming. For more information on Dana Charban, visit here. Feel free to reach out to Dana via email for any inquiries or questions.
