Figure 3: Handler positioned on inside corner of turn into alley when emptying staging pens
Figure 2: Staging pens with two gates on each end, allowing cattle to enter and exit the pen on the same end
from a handler inside the staging pen, the handler can work from outside the pen. Staging pens designed with cattle instincts in mind and proper emptying of staging pens will improve safety of both cattle and caregivers and set the stage for natural cattle flow through subsequent facilities including the Bud Box, which we will discuss in the next issue.
Chuckles From Down Under
pressure against them, and allow them to circle around to the left (figure 3). This positioning takes advantage of cattle’s natural instinct to circle around their point of focus, the handler. Once properly positioned, the handler must wait to gain the focus of the cattle at the gate they will exit through; this is referred to as locking onto the handler. The handler then applies pressure to the front of the group of cattle, asking for movement. The handler should never work from behind the cattle. As the cattle begin to move, the handler moves with them to release pressure on the remainder of the group. This release of pressure creates separation within the group and allows the handler to step in and take the appropriate number of cattle that will fit in the alley at one time. Staging pens and alleys should be open sided rather than solid sided. Open sides allow cattle to see through, eliminating blind ends and solid walls that cause cattle to turn and return where they come from. The open sides also help cattle to feel less pressure. If cattle are too sensitive to pressure
By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?” “Yes, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she paused. “Grandpa, did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t he?”
