The Visual, Auditory, and Physical Environment of Livestock Handling Facilities and Its Effect on Ease of Movement of Cattle, Pigs, and Sheep

Abstract

The visual, auditory, and physical environment livestock are handled in will have an effect on the ease of movement through races and corrals that are used for veterinary treatment, loading trucks or at slaughter houses. When livestock refuse to move easily through a handling facility, people are more likely to use electric goads (prods) or other aversive methods to move them forward. This is a major animal welfare concern. Modification of the environment can improve livestock movement and reduce aversive handling methods. In existing facilities used for handling cattle, pigs or sheep, simple changes such as, adding a light to a dark race entrance or reducing loud intermittent noise may improve livestock movement. Eliminating distractions such as, a noisy truck near a lairage can also facilitate cattle movement and reduce stopping or turning back. In an outdoor facility, sharp shadows on the floor were more likely to be associated with cattle stopping compared to no shadows or soft faint shadows. The installation of small solid walls to prevent approaching animals from seeing either moving equipment, vehicles or people in front of them may also improve forward livestock movement. Non-slip flooring is essential to prevent slipping and falling during handling. Rebuilding or completely redesigning an existing facility is often not required. Outcome based indicators should be used to assess continuous improvements in handling. Some of the commonly used measurable of handling are slipping and falling, stopping, turning back, vocalization during handling and electric prod use. Collecting data both before and after an environmental modification can be used to determine its effectiveness.

Sedation With Xylazine Hydrochloride Decreases the Stress Response in Merino Meat Sheep During Routine Hoof Trimming in a Tilt Table

“…Professional and stress-free animal handling is therefore a central aspect in the husbandry of livestock and in the interest of every farmer. It is granted by the construction of a facility that allows gentle and calm handling of the animals (Grandin, 2021), training personnel in adequate handling methods (allowing habituation), and the development and application of suitable treatment protocols when indicated.…”

“…It is widely recognized that stressors can support and increase the risk of developing infectious diseases and of prolongation of illness episodes (Kelley, 1980;Steplewski et al, 1985;Cooper, 1999). Therefore, aside from important and well-acknowledged animal welfare concerns, different zootechnical procedures in animal production, inflicting short-term stress due to handling and restraint, may have an influence on animal productivity (Johnson and Vanjonack, 1976;Miranda-de la Lama et al, 2011Marco-Ramell et al, 2016;Grandin, 2021). For these reasons, different protocols to reduce pain and stress in the animal have been developed since studies have shown not only a benefit in this respect, but also in the later animal health status (Ting et al, 2003;Kretschmann et al, 2020).…”

Effect of light on dairy cattle in farm conditions – a review

“…The position of a cow's eyes results in a predominantly monocular visual field, with only a minor central binocular area. This arrangement affords them a broad panoramic vision (Piggins and Phillips, 1996;Rehkämper et al, 2000;Grandin, 2021). Like many herbivores, cows exhibit saccadic eye movements synchronised across both eyes but can differ in amplitude.…”

Effect of a targeted pain management protocol for the treatment of dermatitis interdigitalis contagiosa in Merino meat sheep in a tilt squeeze chute

“…The results of the study show that sheep should only be restrained for as long as absolutely necessary. The handling of sheep should be gentle and as stress-free as possible and the environment should be adapted to the needs of the animals (Grandin, 2021). When and whether sedation is necessary for longer procedures should be discussed critically by veterinarians.…”