Animal Handling/Restraint - Cattle, goat, and sheep

Calf Restraint

-Newborns are guided from place to place by placing one hand under the neck and grasping the tail head or placing the hand around the hindquarters. -Calves up to 200 pounds can be put into lateral recumbancy -After it is down, apply a three-legged tie: place one knee on it's neck and the other knee in front of the closest hind leg to hold it down. -Never turn your back to the calf's mother: she is extremely protective of her young and could potentially kill a careless handler.

Housing sheep and goats

-can be outside only -can be outside and inside -some have special lambing barns -states with hard winters will need an indoor shelter

Signs of aggression in goats

-holding tail close to back with raised hackles -sneezing -snorting -stamping forefeet -rearing up hindlegs

How long should new herd members be quarantined to reduce the risk of transmitting a disease?

At least 2 weeks

True or false: Moving bulls can be done by a handler on foot.

False; moving bulls should not be done by a handler on foot and is best done if moved along with a small group of steers or cows.

When Cattle Need Veterinary Care, They are Typically Moved by a _________ ____________

Farm Hand.

Are goats herd animals?

No, and if you try to herd them they will scatter

Can goats be tipped?

No, they are flanked instead

Safest Place to Stand by Cattle

Right Next to The Shoulder or Near the Rump. The Closer Your are, the Less Impact a Kick will have.

Why should handlers go slowly when moving cows with calves?

Rushing a gathering process will result in cows abandoning their calf. (Beef not dairy)

What equipment is used for handling and restraining sheep?

Sheep require very little specialized equipment. Barriers: A tool that can be used to make temporary pens. Shepherd's Crook: A tool used to immobilize a sheep's movements. Gambrel: A tool used to restraint sheep in sternal recumbency Sheep Chair: Slings that hold sheep in tipping position

A bull that paws at the ground with a broadside display is a sign of impending charge. If challenged by a bull, what should the handler do?

The handler should turn his side to the bull and walk away on a diagonal path. Do not run

If a cow shows signs of aggression and does not retreat, how should a handler respond?

The handler should walk slowly backwards, do not look away from the cow, then seek a safe location and later cull the cow.

True or False: Yelling agitates cattle

True

True or false: cattle can outrun a human

True; do not try to escape by outrunning an aggressive bull or cow

"Cow Kicking"

They Kick by First Bringing their Leg Slightly Forward, Arched to the Side, and Then A Kick Backwards. Can Kick Like Horses as Well.

How do you Carry and Restrain Lambs?

To carry a newborn lamb, place your hand between its forelegs and support its chest with your arm. You can carry lambs as you would for medium to large sized dogs.

Common restraint used on sheep

Tipped

How do you approach and capture Sheep and Lambs?

To approach and capture sheep and lambs: First, approach the flock of sheep while talking in a calm voice, gather the sheep into a small area. Once the flock is gathered, get the sheep to move around the pen by using a small prod, as the sheep are passing by determine which sheep you need to restrain and separate it. Quickly reach around the sheep and grab it's forequarters under it's neck and place your other arm around it's hindquarters this hold will allow you to direct the sheep to the treatment area.

What does a restrainer do when a flock of sheep receive medication?

When a flock of sheep receives medication the restrainer will mark each sheep with a marking crayon so no animal gets a double dose.

Sticks and whips should not be used to strike a cow, except when?

When a handler believes a charge is imminent or has begun.

Which of the following are acts of abuse to cattle: a. Dragging a live cow with a chain b. Running cattle on top of each other on purpose c. Prodding cattle in sensitive parts d. Slamming gates on cattle e. Beating a cow f. All the above

f. All the above

Loading ramp: what is the ideal degree slope and other aspects?

-20 degrees slope -Solid footing -Cleats, steps, tires

For cattle, when should disbudding and castration occur?

-Disbudding at 2-6 weeks -Castration withing the first week

Examination of Feet and Legs

-A hydraulic lift table can be used to place the animal in lateral recumbancy- with the administration of a sedative. lead the animal in front of the table, strap on, and the lower the table to lateral recumbancy. -An alternative is to raise the legs using ropes and pullies, either in a chute or stanchion (more docile animals).

Flank Restraint Cattle

-A lariat can be tightened around the flank area just cranial to the tuber coxae to prevent kicking. -Avoid excess pressure or the animal could fall. -A metal clamp, often known as a "can't kick device" can be placed over the dorsum and along the sides of the flanks.

Kill Zone

-About 6 to 8 Feet Behind the Cattle. Maximum Extension of Their Leg, Resulting in Tremendous Force.

Tools for Cattle Capture and Restraint

-Alleyway: Basically a Hallway That the Cattle Must Walk Through Usually Ending in a Single-File Manner -Chute and Head Gate: Chutes no Longer Used Due to Stress -Nose Tongs: Placed on Nasal Septum for Better Handling -Rope Halter: Used to Lead Docile Cattle or More Commonly to Tie Head to the Side for Jugular Blood Draws -Hobbles or Hopples: Placed Around the Back Legs to Prevent Kicking -Cattle Prods: Delivers Electric Jolt to Cattle to Make Them Move (Not Usually Used by Veterinary Personnel)

How to get an escaped cattle?

-An escaped animal should never be chased -Herd into an enclosure -Allow 30 minutes to relax -Draw them back to a familiar group

Moving a Herd

-Begin by slowly moving towards the cattle from the opposite direction you want them to head. -Do not approach from the front, as they might charge you. -Spread out your arms to make yourself look bigger. -Walk towards them in a slow and deliberate manner. -Once cattle begin to move in desired direction you stop and "release them". meaning, allow them to move away from you. -Once they have stopped moving, and look back at you, you then "pressure" them to move again by waling towards their pressure point. -If done correctly, the cattle should never run and instead just walk away from you and resume normal activities. if incorrectly performed, cattle will run from you, vocalize and potentially turn to threaten you. -If a lead cow begins to go in the wrong direction, cut her off by moving towards her with your arms held wide. -Once the heard is in the pen, shut the gate. be careful when shutting the gate because sudden noise can send the herd backwards toward you. -Once in the pen, you can move them down the alleyway, towards the chute. -It may be helpful to walk down the alleyway before sending the cattle to inspect for anything that may spook them. -Always check the operation of the headggate before allowing cattle in (faulty equipment is a danger to you and the cattle) -When cattle enter headgate, make sure the latch at the top is secure.

Moving or Herding

-Calmly and Quietly -Use point of Balance -Use of Electric Prods is Reserved for Encouraging Animals to Move When Other Methods Have Failed

Cattle Cautions

-Cattle Can Kill You (Body Language Communication is Important) -Use Caution; If Unsure How to Proceed, get Someone Knowledgeable -How They Are Raised, Strongly Influences Their Behavior -Amount of Human Contact and Handling on a Regular Basis, Will Determine How Docile They Are -Extremely Strong and Unpredictable. Bulls (Esp. Dairy Bulls) Are Most Dangerous. -Suspicious of Strange or New Things, Will Resist Herding Towards Unfamiliar Objects -Stay Out of Sight Line of the Herd and Don't Make Any Sudden Noises or Movements

What are cattle's natural instincts and behavior

-Cattle are Prey Animals; Strong Herd Instinct; Very Timid -When Threatened, First Instinct is to Run or Move Away -Second Instinct: Charging, Pinning You Down, Kicking (Most Common) or Gorging (If Horned)

Tail Jacking

-Distraction technique (jack the tail up) -Lift the tail straight up and forward from the base. should be ventral and over the midline so handler can keep balance. hold the tail about 1/3 of the way down from the base, or closer. -The pressure of this placed on the spinal column removes sensation from the rear -Make sure the animal is secured from moving forward or side to side. -Used for intravenous venipuncture or rectal examination. -Do not preform jacking for more than a few minutes, possible to fracture coccygeal vertebrae.

If a handler is knocked down by a cow or bull how should they react?

-Do not attempt to stand -Crawl or roll to safety

How to catch a sheep

-Drive the entire flock into a small area, then single out the individual needed -Approach slowly, and then quickly swing an arm in front of their neck and another behind the rump

Side effects of stress in cattle

-Loss Of Production Caused by Stress Results in Lower Profits -Increased Feed Requirements Result in Increased Illness -Decreased Immunity Results in Increased Illness -Death Results in Lower Profits

What three things impact an animals reaction to stress

-Genetics -Previous experiences -Individual differences

Means to prevent balking

-Having a chute with a headgate that faces a holding pen with resting cattle -Using small pens and working small groups at a time -Using the same flooring throughout forcing pen and alleyway -Having a floor or ground that is level or a rising incline; providing a direction of movement into bright, but not blinding, sunlight -Using curved alleyways with solid walls that allows cattle to view two body lengths ahead -Padding steel working equipment -Reducing the width of the crowding pen.

What should be used instead of electric prods to move cattle?

-Plastic paddles (pictured) -Flags -Streamers

Squeeze chute and headgate

-Restraint -Solid fences -Slow steady pressure when squeezing -Quiet operation -Secure footing

Flight zone

-Size of flight zone depends on tameness or wildness of animal.

How do sheep show displeasure

-They butt or stamp their feet. -Horned males will lower and twist their head -Ewes will "rumble" at lambs -Rams will "snort"

How to move bulls into a pen

-They should be moved at a trot until they are well inside or they might stop and fight. *Do NOT interfer in a bull fight* -Hold head by the nose lead

Handler movement pattern for cattle

-Walk along inside radius -Front to back -Walk in a zig-zag formation

Ways to Herd Cattle

-Walking; Best Practice is "Pressure and Release" Method -Using Cowboys on Horseback -Using Herding Dogs (Usually Only Beef Cattle) -Using ATVs, Helicopters, Trucks and Drones (Huge Beef Cattle Farms)

How to use a collar with a goat

-the higher up on the neck it is, the less likely you will choke it -pull from in front, NOT behind

Restraining a goat for examination

-use a small pen -catch it by placing an arm across the chest and another on the tail -you can hold a front leg off the ground

Cattle Restraint

1. Drive Group into Smaller Working Area 2. Crowd the Animals in a Tub 3. Move Them Up an Alleyway to the Chute Cattle Should Never be Underestimated Herds Animals; If One Gets Scared, They All Get Scared Never Turn Your Back on a Bull; Cows With Calves Can be Aggressive Number One Goal is to Reduce Stress As Much As Possible

What is a Nort Fort restrain?

A head restraint for calves that are caught by a heeler; it restrains the calf's head without risk of choking.

What is a Bud Williams (Bud box)

A small rectangular box that disorientates the cattle before trying to make them go through the system and into a chute.

What is tail docking?

An amputation of up to 2/3 of tail length to reduce soiled tails.

When restrained how will cattle react?

Cattle will thrash their heads to the side to butt

How to capture a calf?

Caught by hand by herding with mother into a pen then sorting mother into another smaller pen.

Why should cattle never be handled between rails of an alleyway?

Due to the risk of injury to a handler's head or fractured hands and arms.

A head held higher than their shoulders in cattle is a sign of what?

Fear

Main defense of sheep

Flock together and run

What should be be put on gates in cattle facilities and why?

Gates should be padded with rubber stops to reduce noise.

Are Goats easy to Handle and Restrain?

Goats are very unpredictable and can become agitated and aggressive very easily. So working with them will require a great amount of patience.

What is the most common approach to catching cattle?

Herd them quietly toward or along an enclosure and into an alleyway that goes to a squeeze chute with a headgate.

When should herding dogs not be used with cattle?

Herding dogs should not be used to move cows with calves

How to get goats inside an area

Identify the lead goat, capture and lead her and the rest should follow

What Equipment is used for Handling and Restraining Goats?

Like sheep goats required very little specialized equipment: Neck Chains: The ideal neck chain is composed of sturdy, flat links, which is least likely to catch on fences. Lead: A tool used to lead a goat wherever you need it to go. Leather Collars: A collar made of heavy, flat leather. Small enclosures: A tool used to confine a goat and make treatment easier for the goat and its handler

How to act with rams?

Never turn your back and keep them very close so they don't have room to ram

How is territorial aggression demonstrated in bulls?

Pawing, bellowing, tossing their head, and standing broadside to the intruder.

Easy restraint used for goat/sheep examinations

Place the patient backed into a corner or against an object, or straddle. Do NOT put in tipping position like sheep.

What is flanking?

Placing a calf in lateral recumbency. For calves under 200 lb it is done similar to dogs. For larger calves, the handler should stand next to the calf's left side with his left arm under the neck, the right hand grasp the right flank skin and the left hand is moved to grasp right foreleg; the handler's knee pushes on the left flank then rotates them onto the side when they attempt to jump.

How do you restrain a Goat for a routine physical Examination?

Restrain a goat for a routine physical examination by lifting one of it's front legs or by grabbing it's beard for a short period of time.

Tailing cattle

The Middle of The Tail is Grasped and Twisted Forward to One Side or the Other, Over the Back and Off of The Midline. *Too Much Pressure Can Break The Tail *Do Not Stand Directly Behind Them (Kicking)

"Pressure Point"

The Point On The Cattle Just Behind Their Shoulders You do not press on the point, but rather it is the spot that we use to direct the cattle where you want them to go.

What's a problem with sheep and a thick coat?

They get hyperthermic easily and can suffer from heat stroke

Where do cattle hold their head when relaxed but not grazing?

They hold their head at shoulder height

What should be done to overly aggressive animals?

They should be culled

How do you restrain a goat for Venipuncture?

To restrain a goat for venipuncture: Restrain the goat as you would a dog, hold the goats beard with one hand and place your other arm around the goat's neck to hold it in place.

How do you restrain a goat on it's side?

To restrain a goat on its side: Stand alongside the goat reach one arm over the goat's back and reach the other arm over it's neck. Grab the legs closest to your body and gently lift up, this will make the goat off balance and go onto its side.

How do you restrain a Lamb for Tail Docking and Castration?

To restrain a lamb for tail docking and castration: First, gather the lambs into a small pen, sit down and grab the selected lamb's right leg with your right hand and it's left leg with your left hand. Now place the lamb on it's back and support it's legs with your legs. Another method is to stand and support the lamb's back with your body while holding it's legs as described earlier.

How do you restrain an Adult Sheep?

To restrain an adult sheep: Stand alongside the sheep, place one arm around its neck at the shoulder and reach over the animal and under it's abdomen as far as possible with your other arm. Gently lift up the sheep and tilt it on it's rump; then stand directly behind it so it's back rests against your legs. Tilt the sheep slightly back so it's remains off balance.

How do you use a Shepherd's crook?

To use a leg shepherd's crook: Place the hook high up on the animal's back leg, then quickly grab and hold the animal to prevent it from injuring it's leg. To use a neck shepherds crook: Place near base of neck and walk to animals

What is balk?

When cattle refuse to move

The floor of forcing pens and alleyways should be ___________ a. Plastic b. Concrete c. Bedding d. None of the above

b. Concrete