Observations of cattle behavior applied to the design of cattle-handling facilities

Abstract

Field observations were conducted while cattle were being handled in abattoirs, auction markets, yards on ranches, dipping vats and restraining chutes. Mature cattle and calves of many different breeds were observed under commercial conditions. A review of the literature and the observations indicated that cattle can be most efficiently handled in yards and races which have long narrow diagonal pens on a 60° angle. In yards designed by the author, cattle which are waiting to be sorted are held in a 3–3.5 m-wide curved race with an inside radius of 7.5–11 m. From the curved race, the animals can either be sorted into the diagonal pens, or they can be directed to the squeeze chute, dipping vat, or restraining chute at the abattoir. The handler works from a catwalk which is located along the inner radius of the race. This facilitates the movement of the animals because they will tend to circle around the handler in order to maintain visual contact. The curved holding race terminates in a round crowding pen which leads to a curved single file race. Cattle have 360° panoramic vision and poor depth perception. Sharp contrasts of light and dark should be avoided. Single file races, forcing pens, and other areas where cattle are crowded should have high solid fences. This prevents the animals from observing people, vehicles, and other distracting objects outside the facility.