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.

• Incorporates a clear, approachable style for researchers and practitioners alike, facilitating understanding of the techniques described
• Features supplementary video content on a companion site, providing practical demonstration of the topics discussed in the work and a useful tool for learning the concepts presented
• Includes extensive references, increasing the book's utility for serious researchers as well as those who want to implement better handling practices

Professors, practitioners, researchers and advanced students in animal behavior, ethology, applied animal behavior, and behavioral biology, psychology and ecology; veterinarians working in mixed or large animal practice; veterinary students with an interest in learning techniques of humane handling; secondarily for students enrolled in elective courses in large animal handling in veterinary, vet technician, and animal science programs; and livestock producers

• 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