A survey conducted by Kansas State University shows that the cattle transportation industry has a few major concerns with animal handling and health issues, including poor facilities, poor lighting, too little help, inexperienced help, the presence of dogs and too much help.
MANHATTAN, Kan.—A survey conducted by Kansas State University shows that the cattle transportation industry has a few major concerns with animal handling and health issues, including poor facilities, poor lighting, too little help, inexperienced help, the presence of dogs and too much help.
Those findings prompted K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Animal Health Department and the Kansas Motor Carriers Association (KMCA) to produce fact sheets that provide information about improving conditions when handling and shipping livestock. Along with the fact sheets, a computerized slide presentation on biosecurity and a video on animal handling are available.
The fact sheets are available online at http://www.beefstockerusa.org or at any local K-State Research and Extension office.
“The handling piece of the survey confirms what has already been observed in the field but not quantified,” said Janice Swanson, interim head of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at K- State. “It seems there is more awareness of handling issues than before, but educational programs weren’t abundant for companies to use for training purposes.”
The survey found that 71 percent of the respondents had problems with poor facilities. Sixty-eight percent had poor lighting, 41 percent didn’t have enough help and 28 percent had problems with inexperienced help.
The fact sheets include such tips as:
* Work cattle in groups rather than individually because of their herding instincts.
* Be aware of the animal’s “flight zone,” the distance they keep away from predators to feel safe, and move cattle by applying and removing pressure to the edge of the flight zone.
* When loading and unloading cattle, the quieter it is the easier it will be. Cattle have sensitive ears, so loud noises are stressful.
* The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that 24 hours before hauling, cattle should be fed 50-75 percent hay and 25-50 percent grain. The ratio of hay and grain depends on the age of the cattle. Older cattle should be fed more hay and less grain. However, for feeder calves on long trips, grain is better than hay. It is not advisable to suddenly change the animal’s diet.
* Vehicle operation and husbandry procedures greatly affect the condition in which cattle arrive at their destination.
* Recognition of sick animals and trailer wash outs are important to disease control. Pathogens can live within a space or an object from minutes to years. Diseased cattle can contaminate every living and non-living thing they come into contact with. The contamination of facilities, equipment, footwear, and clothing can be a major source of future infections.
The survey indicated that trailer sanitation practices vary from driver to driver and company to company. The majority of the respondents reported using cold water when washing out trailers.
“Simply rinsing the trailers out will eliminate most of the bacteria,” said Mark Spire, veterinarian with Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “However, further research needs to be done on the long term effects of disinfectants or alternative methods of disinfecting trailers, which is being worked on.”
Truck drivers who handle and transport cattle should have an understanding of bovine health problems, including symptoms of foreign animal disease, Spire said.
Posted by: Joshua Works
Posted Date: Oct 11 2005