The Do s and Don ts Guide of Livestock Handling
This guide was developed by the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and LiveCorp joint Livestock Export Program in conjunction with the Australian Federal Government. For more information contact: Meat & Livestock Australia Ph:+973 1722 3003 Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited June 2008 Meat & Livestock Australia ISBN:9781741912555 Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, however MLA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication.
Umm, this looks a bit different. I ll just stop and think a while. Give me a few seconds to check if it s OK. What are you doing? I cannot move! I have nowhere to go. Stop sheep! Something s going on up there! He s in our way. Remember, livestock movement begins with the first animal. It is wrong to force the animal to move when it has nowhere to go.
I m stopping. I m scared. Too much noise and movement in front and behind us.
I wish he d stop making noise. I can t think. I m too scared!
Leave me alone, I am already moving towards the truck. There is no need to hit me. You are causing me STRESS. I m scared! That s strange, he s hitting Bill, but he s already moving. Never hit a moving animal that is already going in the direction you want them to go. Never hit or pressure an animal that has nowhere to go.
I have nowhere to move! Hey, it doesn t feel good, does it? See if YOU like being hit! It hurts, doesn t it?
This looks like a good place to go, away from pressure. As long as I follow my friends, I am happy. We must be going to a new place. They are all going there. It must be OK!
What did you get up to on the weekend? Just caught up with the family in the desert. What are these two doing? They are in our way. Get ready to stop: there must be somewhere else they want us to go Do not stand in front or behind the animal and do not make noise.
What are you doing standing behind my friend? He cannot see you. You are making him nervous. Do not stand behind the animal. He cannot see you.
Now listen, my rules for getting along with you are like this! See these circles; It s my personal space. If you come inside the circle, I will move away. If all goes well and you don t come too close and scare me, you will be able to come closer, but never too close. The circle drawn around me is the personal space I require once I am used to you. Follow these rules and I will be happy. Flight Zone = Personal space
LOADING YOUR TRUCK Too tight Too loose Just right
SHEEP AND CATTLE 1. Like to see each other 2. Like to follow each other 3. Don t like being isolated Stressed Animal Happy Animals 4. Should always have access to food and clean fresh water Gee, I m hot. This water is just what we need. After that long trip, I am hungry. Yeah, this food smells good, tastes good and fresh. Plus it s full of nutrients. Wow, that shade is great. Yeah, it s a good thing we ve got fresh, cool, clean water.
Work on the side of the animal to move it. Do not stand directly behind an animal. It cannot see you. Do not hit an animal at any time. Use movement and position to move an animal forward.
Remember 1. POSITION- work on the side not in front or behind 2. PRESSURE- If you apply you must release it Apply Release 3. MOVEMENT Swaying Jumping Moving hands Moving sheep talker 4. COMMUNICATE People What are we doing? What is the plan? What is the problem? Do you need help? Animal Did you see me open the gate? Animal to people-you are in control. If the sheep aren t complying, it s only because you re doing something wrong.
LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION DRIVER SKILLS Drive smoothly and carefully Gentle cornering and braking, so the animals stay on their feet No sudden turning or stopping Keep the truck moving, get to your destination as safe and as soon as possible, especially in summer, when it is hot LOADING TRUCKS Get the animals started up the ramp Do not stop the flow. Keep them moving to the front Move the sheep towards the front of the truck as soon as loading commences Know the correct pen density for cool and hot weather Load fewer sheep per deck in the summer - 10% - 15% less
Remember DO NOT Hit Yell Kick Drag or Pull Rope