Low Stress Stock Handling Workshop

Understanding the fundamentals of predator/prey behaviour to improve stock movement outcomes in the field and yards.

Low Stress Stock Handling Workshop

Understanding the fundamentals of predator/prey behaviour to improve stock movement outcomes in the field and yards.

Community Participation -

NSWLP-011-021

The issue

Handling sheep and cattle in confined spaces such as yards can be stressful to animals and handlers. It can also be a high risk environment, that could lead to injury for both animals and handlers. Members of Kyeamba Valley and Tarcutta Valley Landcare Groups wanted to improve their animal handling skills, so that they were more confident in managing animals in confined spaces.

The solution

Morrissey and Friends Livestock Services conducted a two day workshop, that combined theory sessions with video demonstrations and practical animal handling in stockyards. The theory sessions discussed the various factors that make up the predator/prey relationship. Participants learnt that fundamental to low stress animal movement is eye to eye contact with the animal's left eye. The left eye is connected to the right hemisphere of the brain, which is the decision making side. So, after video demonstrations, participants were able to practice more efficient animal movement in yards using their improved knowledge of animal behaviour.  

The impact

More efficient animal movement in confined spaces such as yards reduces the level of stress to both animals and handlers. It can also dramatically reduce the possibility of injury to either animals and/or handlers. By the completion of the workshops attendees had a much better understanding of animal behaviour, and were more confident when working animals in stockyards.

Key facts

  • left eye contact helps to move animals more efficiently
  • Handling animals efficiently lowers stress for animals and handlers
  • efficient animal handling in stockyards reduces the possibility of injury