Training sheep as "leaders" in abattoirs and farm sheep yards
K.J. Bremner, J.B. Braggins, R. Kilgour
Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1980, 40: 111-116
Eighteen potential leaders were selected from 32 sheep after an
initial taming period. Training these animals involved four basic
stages: (1) taming, (2) learning basic tasks, (3) learning specific
skills, (4) adjustments to the final environment. Using operant
principles of conditioning, the sheep were taught to walk through yards,
push open gates and lead mobs. Further refinements included acceptance
of leash restraint and gate unlatching. Guidelines are provided for
farmers and stock handlers who wish to train their own leader sheep.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 12-09-1998
