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.fe.
Table of Contents:
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
