Efficient Livestock Handling

Efficient Livestock Handling: The Practical Application of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Science brings together the science-based disciplines of animal behavior and welfare to discuss how knowledge of one area (behavior) can be used to promote the other. Emphasis is on cattle and horses, but swine, sheep, and goats are also covered. Three major areas are included and integrated into a practical approach to working with the various species. Basic behavior as it applies to handling is discussed, with differences noted between species. The connections of behavior and handling are covered, and practical applications discussed, both with a liberal use of pictures and videos to bring the concepts to life.fe.

Table of Contents:

    Dedication
    About the Authors
    Introduction
    Chapter 1. Historical Perspectives of Livestock Handling
        Domestication
        Human–Animal Relationships
    Chapter 2. Behavior as it Relates to Handling
        The Senses
        Social Behavior
        Locomotion
    Chapter 3. Genetics, Environments, and Hormones
        Genes and Individuals
        Role of the Environment
        Interaction of Genetics and the Environment
        Endocrine Influences
    Chapter 4. Learning in Livestock
        Associative Learning
        Non-associative Learning
        Complex Learning
        Other Factors
        Learning in Livestock Species
    Chapter 5. Horse Handling: Practical Applications of Science
        A True Revolution in Horsemanship
        The Senses and the Reactions
        Effective Handling
        Efficient Handling
        Working with Reactive Horses
        Teaching the Horse to Lead
        Round Pens as a Training Aid
        Restraint Techniques
        Entering and Exiting a Confined Space
        Other Useful Handling Techniques
    Chapter 6. Dairy Cattle Handling: Practical Applications of Science
        Learning in Cattle
        Effective versus Efficient Handling
        Basic Principles of Handling
        From the Maternity Ward through Weaning
        Moving Cattle
        Redirection Pens
        Down and Immobile Cows
    Chapter 7. Beef Cattle Handling: Practical Applications of Science
        The Mind is Unknowable
        From Pasture to Pen to Confinement
        Using a Zigzag to Move Cattle
        Sorting Pens or Corrals
        The Redirection Pen
        The Use of a Trap
    Chapter 8. Swine Handling: Practical Applications of Science
        Reactivity and Stress are Related
        Learning in Swine
        Herding Pigs
        The Redirection Pen
        Teaching Pigs to Herd
        Swine Handling
    Chapter 9. Sheep and Goat Handling: Practical Applications of Science
        Comparative Behaviors
        Sheep Behavior
        Goat Behavior
        Handling Sheep and Goats
    Index

Bonnie V. Beaver, BS, DVM, MS, DACVB, Professor, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA and Don Höglund, MS, DVM, Dairy Stockmanship Company. Teaches Dairy Stockmanship for Virginia Polytech and State University, Department of Dairy Science, Blacksburg, VA USA