W2 L Behavior Handling S25 d1

Page 1: Enjoyment and Introduction

  • Live life to the fullest, just like someone left the gate open.

  • Reminder to always close the gate after passing.

Page 2: Semester Kickoff

  • First week of the semester completed.

  • Positive feelings about the start of the semester.

  • http://go.to/funpic for a fun picture (link shared).

Page 3: Week 2 Overview

  • Focus on behavior and handling of animals.

Page 4: Lab Format

  • Lab at Hansen Center this week in an open house format.

  • Daily points must be submitted before leaving the lab.

  • Handling of various animals: sheep, pigs, dairy cows.

  • Dress appropriately: washable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

  • Layout and purpose of the lab discussed.

Page 5: Importance of Studying Behavior

  • Understand domestic animals for comfortable living with them.

  • Increase productivity from the animals.

  • Aim to reduce stress for both animals and handlers.

  • Maximize safety for humans around livestock.

Page 6: Learning Outcomes

  • Describe categories of both innate and learned behaviors in animals.

  • Explain principles for moving livestock with minimal stress.

  • Identify common methods of restraint and control.

Page 7: References in Behavior and Handling

  • Resources:

    • Animal Behaviour website (http://animalbehaviour.net/)

    • Dr. Temple Grandin's work on livestock behavior and humane slaughter (http://www.grandin.com/)

    • US Meat Industry resources on animal handling (www.animalhandling.org/).

Page 8: Understanding Behavior

  • Behavior defined as observable, coordinated responses to external stimuli.

  • Behavior formula: P = G + E (Performance = Genetics + Environment).

  • Differentiate between innate and learned behaviors.

Page 9: Types of Learned Behaviors

  • Habituation: Desensitization to stimuli.

  • Conditioning: Associative learning through cue-response-reward mechanisms.

    • Can be positively or negatively reinforced.

  • Extinction: Loss of learned behavior due to lack of reinforcement.

  • Imprinted Behavior: Sensitive period learning not dependent on consequences.

Page 10: Categories of Innate Animal Behavior

  • Ingestive: Related to food and eating.

  • Eliminative: Related to waste elimination.

  • Shelter Seeking: Natural instinct to find shelter.

  • Investigative: Curiosity-driven behaviors.

  • Agonistic: Behaviors related to fighting or aggression.

  • Sexual: Mating and reproductive behaviors.

  • Mother to Offspring: Care and bonding.

  • Social Organization/Dominance Hierarchy: Group behaviors.

Page 11: Utilizing Innate Behavior for Handling

  • Lower stress handling methods can benefit from understanding:

    • Flight Response: Animals' instinct to flee from danger.

    • Gregariousness: Social animals prefer being in groups.

Page 12: Flight Zone and Point of Balance

  • Importance of understanding both concepts for effective handling.

  • Defines animal’s comfort and space needs during movement.

Page 13: Moving Livestock

  • Objective: allow animals to move voluntarily with minimal stress.

  • Consider factors like innate movement instincts and appropriate distractions or restraints.

Page 14: Applying Flight Zone and Point of Balance

  • Techniques for effective animal movement include:

    • Awareness of return path when leaving flight zone.

    • Understanding the path to encourage forward movement.

    • Use of squeeze chutes in handling processes.

Page 15: Basic Cattle Ranch Layout (Temple Grandin)

  • Features of an effective cattle handling layout:

    • Diagonal pens, round forcing pens, and handling walkways.

    • Dimensions provided for various elements, ensuring smooth operations.

Page 16: The "Bud" Box

  • Reference to UROCHS Consulting and use of the Bud Box for improved livestock handling.

  • Link to a video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alCghJbSS-A

Page 17: Concept of Distractions

  • Distractions during handling should be done with intent to reduce stress.

Page 18: Common Distractions to Avoid

  • Drain visibility: Can lead to livestock balking.

  • Importance of managing the environment effectively.

Page 19: Open Door as a Distraction

  • An open door can serve as a common distraction in livestock handling processes.

Page 20: Additional Distractions to Consider

  • Puddle reflections, chain noises, shadows, etc.

  • High-pitched sounds, drafts, and floor objects can also affect animal behavior.

  • Awareness of lighting and odors is crucial for smoother handling.

Page 21: Complete Handling System

  • Automatic handling systems by Powder River for increased safety and efficiency.

  • Reference codes for various equipment offered to aid in livestock handling.

Page 22: Restraint and Control

  • Highlighting equipment and methods focused on safe animal restraint.

Page 23: Equipment for Equines

  • Specialized equipment and techniques for handling horses.

Page 24: Equipment for Canines

  • Overview of handling methods applicable to dogs.

Page 25: Lab Announcement

  • Reminder of the lab session at the Farm Bureau Arena:

    • Open house format; bring class notes for reference.

    • Dress appropriately for indoor, hands-on activities.

Page 26: Extra Slides Notice

  • Additional slides included for future use, not directly applicable this semester.

Page 27: Unused Content

  • Page retained for notes or future content.

Page 28: ERS (The Wheat Pressure Box)

  • Mention of the Wheat Pressure Box likely pertaining to animal handling techniques.

Page 29: Final Notes

  • Unused slide for potential future information.