Ref Code: CAT26

Category

Teaching - 2

Research - 4

Objective

To gather cattle into yards for handling.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Video

Details of procedure

1. Mustering. When mustering, consider the geography of the paddock, gateways, direction of travel etc so that cattle will move in the direction chosen. Allow cattle to gather together in a loose bunch before attempting to move them in the required direction. Stock generally move better up hill than down and prefer to move in an anti-clockwise direction.
2. Yarding. Cattle should always enter yards via the same entry point and leave by a separate exit gate at the other side of the yards. This will encourage cattle to enter the yard themselves. Docile cattle should be moved through the yards with the stock person on foot.

Identification of flight zones must be understood. Cattle should not be overcrowded in yards.

Where mustering has caused physical exertion, cattle should be rested before drafting or handling.

3. Drafting. Drafting should be performed in specially designed drafting yards or through gates between yards. The excessive use of force is unnecessary.

The drafted animal must be able to see where it is to go (ie its ‘escape route’).

Visual driving aids such as flags are best used to direct cattle or block movement.

Hard canes, whips and dogs should be unnecessary.

Drugs, chemicals, or biological agents

Nil

Impact of procedure on the wellbeing of animal(s)

Minimal, if cattle are handled quietly.

Reuse and repeated use

Procedure may be repeated if cattle remain quiet and are not distressed by handling. Cattle remember how they have been handled and will respond to future handling accordingly.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

Cattle should be handled quietly before, during and after the procedure.

Pain relief measures

None required.

Qualifications, experience or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrator: Experience in the procedure.

Students: Competence in cattle handling.