Handling Cattle - Topic 14 Injuries from cattle relate to a number of factors - inadequate yard design, lack of training of handlers, unsafe work practices, and the weight, sex, stress factor and temperament of animals. Spot the hazard Check accident records to identify tasks most likely to cause injury. Consider situations that cause stress and injury to handlers and stock. Take into account sex, weight and temperament of stock. Consider effects of weather and herding on animal behaviour, and time allowed for settling down. Check potential hazards and safety advantages of stock facilities, including mechanical aids and work layout. Consider what training is required before a person can confidently and competently handle stock. Assess the risk Using accident records, check which tasks and work situations are most frequently linked with injuries. Discuss safety concerns of handlers in regard to various tasks. Check each identified hazard for likelihood and severity of injury. Assess proposed safeguards and safe procedures for other hazards. Make the changes Here are some suggestions for improving safety in cattle handling. Always plan ahead. Prepare and communicate safe work practices. Get assistance if necessary. Wear appropriate clothing, including protective footwear and a hat for sun protection. Make use of facilities and aids - headrails, branding cradles, whips, drafting canes, dogs etc. Know the limitations of yourself and others - work within those limitations. Respect cattle - they have the strength and speed to cause injury. Facilities and conditions Yards and sheds should be strong enough and of a size to match the cattle being handled. Good yard design assists the flow of stock. Avoid sharp, blind corners, and ensure gates are well positioned. Keep facilities in good repair and free from protruding rails, bolts, wire etc. Where cattle need restraining, use crushes, headrails, cradles, etc. Footholds and well-placed access ways are important. Try to maintain yards in non-slippery condition. Cattle are more unpredictable during cold, windy weather. The stock Hazards vary according to the age, sex, breed, weight, horn status, temperament and training of animals. Approach cattle quietly, and make sure they are aware of your presence. Bulls are more aggressive during mating season and extremely dangerous when fighting. Separate into different yards where appropriate. Cows and heifers are most likely to charge when they have a young calf at foot. Heifers can also be dangerous at weaning time. Isolated cattle often become stressed and are more likely to charge when approached. Cattle with sharp horns are dangerous - dehorning is recommended where practicable. Dehorned and polled cattle can still cause injury. Cattle yarding Avoid working in overstocked yards where you risk being crushed or trampled. While drafting cattle through a gate, work from one side to avoid being knocked down by an animal trying to go through. Take care when working with cattle in a crush, e.g. to vaccinate, apply tail tags, etc. A sudden movement by stock could crush your arms against rails or posts. When closing a gate behind cattle in a crush or small yard, stand to one side, or with one foot on the gate in case the mob forces the gate back suddenly. Kicking and butting To avoid kick injuries, attempt to work either outside the animal's kicking range or directly against the animal, where the effect of being kicked will be minimised. In dairies there is a high risk of being kicked. Try to follow a regular routine so as not to alarm cows - e.g. by placing cold water on their teats. When working on an animal's head, use head bail to restrain it from sudden movement forwards or back. Take care when using hazardous equipment, such as brands or knives for castrating or bangtailing. Stud cattle When working with stud cattle, train animals to accept intensive handling through gradual familiarisation, e.g. grooming, washing, clipping. When leading cattle on a halter, never wrap the lead rope round your arm or hand. If the animal gets out of control, you could be dragged. Bulls should be fitted with a nose ring. When being led, their heads should be held up by the nose lead. Hygiene Be aware of the risks of contracting such diseases as Leptospirosis or Q Fever when working with animals. These diseases are transmitted through contact with blood, saliva and urine. (See Topic 19 for more information.) Hygiene is important. Consider vaccinating herds against such diseases. [ Previous ] [ Contents ] [ Next ]