Excessive stress in cattle can result in reduced productivity across a range of key values such as low conception rates and high susceptibility to disease. It follows that learning how to handle stock in a calm and confident manner at all times will reduce production costs and improve meat quality.

Recently, 21 farm staff, researchers, technicians and postgrad students participated in a Low Stress stock Handling School held at the UNE SMART Farm.

Facilitated by Chook Kealey the school teaches livestock handlers of all experience levels skills and techniques to handle stock in a calm and confident manner in all situations.  This results in animals and people that are less stressed helping to improve both animal welfare and the work health and safety of livestock handlers.

Participants were introduced to the theory of the four basic animal instincts and the seven principles that guide how to work with those instincts. Opportunity to put theory into practice followed over the next day and a half.

The practical sessions were held at the Kirby sheep yards and adjoining small paddocks.  Farm staff particularly enjoyed working the yards in a different way to how they have traditionally been used and despite many years of experience gained new tips for working sheep with ease.

The second day took place at Tullimba. Cattle were worked through the yards and also in larger pens to demonstrate how the techniques apply in a range of situations and across different livestock.  Chook also had some great examples of the techniques being applied to more uncommon livestock species such as camels.

Although the theory was quite clear it was challenging to put it into practice particularly as in many cases it required participants to think and react differently to the usual practice.

Dr Rachelle Hergenhan, Smart Farms Industry Engagement Officer, said participants went away keen to put their learning into practice in their day to day animal handling tasks whether it be for research or farm purposes.

“We hope this school can become an ongoing part of the training for our staff and students that handle animals.”

For more information on Low Stress Stock Handling visit https://www.lss.net.au/index.htm. For more info about the UNE SMART Farms visit www.une.edu.au/smartfarms  or contact Dr Rachelle Hergenhan on rhergen4@une.edu.au

Image: Chook Kealey demonstrates how mob dynamics can influence how a mob moves and how pressure can be applied to facilitate the flow of movement.