Facility design in relation to animal behaviour, stress and bruising
T. Grandin
Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO 80523 USA, Colorado
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 175-178
An understanding of behavioural principles such as the flight zone, 360
degree vision, sensitive hearing, strong reactions to novelty and effects of
pressure on the body will facilitate handling and restraint of livestock.
Silencing high pitched noise from hydraulic pumps and motors will reduce
stress. Solid fences on races, crowd pens and loading ramps will keep
animals calmer by blocking their vision. A curved race to a crush or stunning
box will facilitate cattle movement because an approaching animal will not
be able to see people at the other end. Wild cattle will stand still in a dark
box for AI. Wild cattle in a restraint device will remain calmer if they are
unable to see people inside their flight zone or a pathway of escape. It is
important to keep vision blocked until the animal is completely restrained.
Restraint devices should only apply sufficient pressure to hold the animal
snugly in a comfortable position and to make the animal "feel restrained"
without any pain or discomfort. Pressure applied with a slow steady
movement will keep cattle calmer but pressure applied with jerky sudden
movement causes excitement. Handlers and equipment engineers who utilize
these principles can move and restrain livestock more efficiently with less
stress and carcass damage. Rough handling is one of the major causes of
carcass damage.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Handling; Restraint; Slaughter; Behaviour.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
