Your cattle equipment plays a key role in your operation as livestock require veterinary care as well as routine health checks. It is important to select equipment and latches that will minimize risk for both producer and livestock. The equipment you are using should be designed for the task that you are doing. In order to get the most effective use of your equipment you should look at it as an investment.
Get inside the mind of a cow
In order to see if your working pens are safe for your cows you will need to understand how your cows see things. Some main principles of cows are: cattle want to see you, cattle want to go around you, cattle want to be with and will go to other cattle, cattle want to return to where they have been, and cattle only process one thought at a time. Cattle move best when they are going from dimly lit to bright areas so consider the lighting when working them. Cattle also move better uphill so if the area isn’t flat make sure the cattle are being worked uphill.
Safety Check
You should check the equipment with a routine safety check to ensure everything is in order before that day. All grease points should be greased to reduce noise. Changes in color and texture can cause cattle to balk so make sure that everything is uniform. If possible use curved chutes and covered sides or panels to help improve cattle movement. Bailing wire or cables are not good for gates so make sure you are using proper chains and gates rated for the size of the animals you are working. Cattle are easily spooked by sudden movements so make sure the area is clear of debris and unnecessary items. Something as simple as a shirt hanging over the side can stop a cow in it’s tracks.
Working cattle through the chutes can be a stressful tune for both the cattle and the operator. By following the tips here you can reduce that stress as well as prevent injuries for everyone involved. Reducing stress and injuries can also mean less health cost for you either with the veterinarian or the doctor.
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