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Livestock Handling

The safest and most effective techniques for handling livestock are those that reduce animal stress. The techniques capitalize on a solid understanding of livestock behaviour and reward close attention to the animals' behavioural cues.

Behaviour-based Handling Techniques

Behavioural Principles of Livestock Handling
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Reducing stress during livestock handling can boost productivity, says renowned livestock specialist Temple Grandin.

Understanding Flight Zone and Point of Balance
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Livestock specialist Temple Grandin's handling techniques are based on animal behaviour and designed to minimize stress to the animal. Learn how to approach the "flight zone" and "point of balance" of cattle for easier herding.

Using Animals' "Follow the Leader" Instinct
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Herders can take advantage of the tendency of cattle to "follow the leader."

Understanding the Motivation of Cattle
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Learn the four basic instincts that motivate cattle, and how to incorporate this knowledge into your handling practices.

Handling Excitable Cattle
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
The benefits of gradually introducing excitable cattle to new experiences.

Acting like a Predator as Low-Stress Handling?
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Mimicking the initial stalking movements of predators can be a surprisingly effective - and low stress - method of cattle herding.

Moving Cattle Out of Pens and Sorting
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Effective handling techniques for sorting cattle and moving them out of pens.

Importance of Reducing Noise when Handling Livestock
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Noise should be avoided when herding or moving cattle. Equipment should be designed to reduce noise.

Using Prods and Persuaders Properly
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Electric prods, Temple Grandin argues, should be replaced with such alternative driving aids as plastic paddles, flags, and ribboned sticks.

Preventing Injuries and Falls
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Prevent injuries to cattle and workers.

Preventing Bull Accidents
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Prevent bull attacks by taking its natural instincts into account.

Behaviour-Based Handling Techniques: Video

Using "Flight Zone" and "Point of Balance" for Stress-Reduced Handling
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
For better handling, pay attention to the natural instincts of cattle, such as flight zone (ie. the animal's personal space).(36 seconds/ 1550 KB)

Moving Cattle through Pens
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Learn stress-reducing methods for moving cattle through a pen. (15 seconds/ 696 KB)

Moving Cattle through Gates
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Learn stress-reducing methods for moving cattle through gates. (25 seconds/ 1091 KB)

Bud Williams Stockmanship

Bud Williams Low-Stress Handling Methods
Bud and Eunice Williams, Bowie, Texas
Bud Williams, a lifelong rancher, has developed his own set of handling techniques to reduce livestock stress. Like those of Temple Grandin, Williams' methods have been widely adopted by North American producers.

Low-Stress Methods for Cattle Herding: Bud Williams
Temple Grandin, Livestock Handling Specialist, Colorado State University
Temple Grandin explains the Bud Williams method for reducing stress of herded cattle.

Bud Williams Stockmanship School
Bud and Eunice Williams, Bowie, Texas
Renowned Handling Specialist Bud Williams runs his own stockmanship school. Read more.

General Stockmanship

Stockmanship: A Powerful Tool for Grazing Lands Management
Steve Cote, National Resources Conservation Authority, Idaho
District conservationist Steve Cote has written an easily-understood book on the Bud Williams method and stockmanship in general. The book has been excerpted by chapter for ease of downloading.