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Daniel
J. Hubert, Research Assistant, Oklahoma State University
Raymond
L. Huhnke, Professor and Extension Agricultural Engineer
Sam
L. Harp, Associate Professor and Extension Agricultural
Engineer
For those who work in
production agriculture, there are inherent physical risks
prevalent on a daily basis. In fact, agricultural
occupations are consistently ranked as some of the most
dangerous in industry. This is not surprising, as most
farmers and ranchers consider the physical difficulties of
their daily tasks as "just part of the job."
In most cases, a better understanding of how an animal may
respond to human interaction and to its immediate
surroundings will help keep the worker from becoming an
injury victim.
1.
The Human Element
Human
error is the primary cause of many types of accidents, which
most often occur when people are tired, hurried, upset,
preoccupied, or careless. Using this information in
combination with proper cattle handling techniques can
reduce your risk of injury.
2.
Animal Behavior
Understanding
cattle behavior can help farm and ranch workers avoid
dangerous situations.
Animal
Vision Cattle have panoramic vision, meaning they
can see in all directions, except directly behind, without
moving their head. Additionally, cattle have poor depth
perception, especially when they are moving with their heads
up. In order to see depth, they have to stop and put their
heads down. For this reason, unfamiliar objects and shadows
on the ground are the primary reasons for cattle balking and
delaying the animals behind them. This is why it is
important for handling and working facilities be constructed
to minimize shadows. Cattle have a tendency to move toward
the light. If working cattle at night, use frosted lamps
that do not glare in the animal's faces. Position these
lights in the area where you are moving cattle, such as a
trailer or barn.
Flight
Zone The flight zone is an animal's
personal space. When a person penetrates the flight zone,
the animal will move. Conversely, when you retreat from the
flight zone, the animal will stop moving. The size of
an animal's flight zone depends on its fearful or docile
behavior, the angle of handler's approach, and its state of
excitement. Work at the edge of the of flight zone at a 45
to 60 degree angle behind the animal's shoulder (Figure 1).
Cattle will circle away from you. The flight zone radius can
range from five to over 25 feet for feedlot cattle and as
far as 300 feet for range cattle. If you are within their
flight zone, the animal moves away or retreats.
Figure
1. Cattle flight zone.
Note:
Animal movement stops if handler is in position
"A". Handler moves to position "B" to
start movement. When moving cattle, avoid approaching them
directly. Try to work them close to the point of balance,
moving back and forth on a line parallel to the direction
the animal is traveling.
3.
Additional Handling Tips
In
addition to the flight zone, an understanding of the
"herd instinct" is important.
A.
Cattle follow the leader and are motivated to follow
each other. Each animal should be able to see others ahead
of it. Make single file chutes at least 20 feet long, or 30
to 50 feet for larger facilities. Don't force an animal in a
single file chute unless it has a place to go. If the cow
balks, it will continue balking.
B.
In crowding pens, consider handling cattle in small groups
up to ten head. The cattle need room to turn. Use their
instinctive following behavior to fill the chute. Wait until
the single file chute is almost empty before refilling.
C.
A crowding gate is used to follow the cattle, not to
shove against them. If a lone animal refuses to move,
release it and bring it back with another group. An animal
left alone in a crowding pen may become agitated and attempt
to jump the fence to rejoin the herd.
D.
Handling Facilities - The proper design, construction
and operation of a cattle handling facility is important to
insure safe working conditions for animals and humans. |
