Many farmers have never stopped to consider why animals behave as they do and, more importantly, what this behavior may mean to their personal safety. Animal-handling practices are often inherited from watching others and from our own experiences growing up on the farm. Too often, this results in unsafe animal handling and restraint practices.
Although most animal accidents are not fatal, many men, women and children are needlessly injured each year because of a lack of safety awareness. Broken bones, crushed and mashed limbs, missed days of work and unnecessary medical expenses are some of the results of animal-related accidents.
Individuals may work carefully around animals most of the time, but then are injured in an animal accident because of preoccupation, haste, impatience or anger. It is during these moments that a livestock handler really needs to understand animal behavior.
Beef, swine and dairy cattle are generally colorblind and
have poor depth perception. This results in an extreme sensitivity
to contrasts, which may cause an animal to balk at shadows
or rapid changes from light to dark. Sheep are also considered
colorblind, but do have good depth perception. Instead, sheep
have difficulty picking out small details, such as the open
space created by a partially opened gate.
Cattle, horses and mules have a panoramic field of vision, which means they can see everything around them except what is immediately behind their hindquarters (see Figure 1). Therefore, approaching from the side or front can be less startling to these animals than approaching from behind.
Horses and mules commonly kick toward their hindquarters, while cows kick forward and out to the side (see Figure 2). Cows also have a tendency to kick toward a side with pain from inflammation or injuries. For example, if a dairy cow is suffering from mastitis in one quarter, consider approaching her from the side of the non-affected udder.
Livestock with young exhibit a maternal instinct. They are
usually more defensive and difficult to handle. When possible,
let the young stay as close to the adult as possible when
handling.
Most animals have a strong territorial instinct and develop a sense of "homeland" in their pens, corrals and pastures. They develop a very distinctive, comfortable attachment to these areas. An example of the homeland instinct is the well-worn paths created in most pastures and between pastures and buildings, water troughs and feed bunks. Forcible removal from a homeland area can cause animals to react unexpectedly.
Considering these animal traits, it is easy to understand why animals often hesitate when going through unfamiliar gates, barn doors, and handling and loading chutes. In addition, shadows, yelling and rapid changes in lighting can further excite animals and make their behavior unpredictable. Similar problems occur when animals are moved away from feed, separated from the herd or approached by an unfamiliar person.
Animals are extremely sensitive to noise and are easily frightened or spooked. In their attempts to move away from the direction or source of the noise, they may crash into or through objects, including people, because of their colorblindness and poor depth perception. Be cautious around animals that are blind or deaf on one side. They favor that side and can suddenly swing around to investigate disturbances. If standing too close, a person could easily be knocked down and trampled.
Young farm animals can form relationships simultaneously with other animals and with human handlers. Animals respond to the way they are treated and draw upon past experiences when reacting to a situation. For example, a newborn raised on a bottle or bucket may develop a very strong affection for the person feeding it and feel comfortable around people. However, animals that are chased, slapped, kicked, hit or frightened when young will naturally fear being approached.
Animals are often said to be "stubborn" because they balk or refuse to enter an area. Once this has happened, the animal is likely to refuse the next several times as well and may become a little more excited and dangerous with each refusal. It is important to take the time to prepare for moving animals. Many farmers are tempted to move animals without the necessary planning and often end up in a battle with the animal that could lead to an injury.
In addition to unique vision characteristics, sensitivity to noise and a strong territorial instinct, animals have physical and mental sensations similar to those of humans that can cause them to react fiercely to handlers. Animals experience hunger, thirst, fear, sickness, injury and strong maternal instincts. They also develop individual behavior patterns such as kicking or biting. The handler should be aware of these behaviors and take necessary precautions. Safety precautions include using personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, long trousers, steel-toed shoes or boots, shin guards and a hard hat, depending on the activity and type of livestock being handled.
Handlers should also be concerned with zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Leptospirosis, rabies, brucellosis, salmonellosis and ringworm are especially important. A livestock producer can contract zoonotic illnesses by being bitten by the animal, handling an infected animal or disposing of infected tissues. To reduce exposure to disease, use basic hygiene and sanitation practices, which include prompt treating or disposal of infected animals, adequate disposal of infected tissues, proper cleaning of contaminated sites, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Facilities can play a major role in preventing accidents. Good facilities provide a means of controlling animals while allowing easy access for routine chores : all in a safe environment. To help prevent accidents, keep walk and work surfaces properly lighted and clear of debris and obstructions. To reduce the risk of falls, provide slip-resistant footing for workers and livestock with roughened concrete ramp and floor surfaces.
To avoid exposure to electric shocks:
To reduce exposure to a livestock accident or illness:
Other common problems should also be avoided, such as horseplay (people play), improper lifting of young animals, prodding an animal that has no place to go, tying a person to an animal, attempting a task without enough help, not providing proper and safe facilities, and not wearing personal protective equipment.
What can farmers do to increase their level of safety when handling animals? Although there is certainly no magical formula, common sense is a key ingredient.
Publication #: AEX-990
This document is part of a series from the Agricultural Engineering Department, Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Publication date: January 1992.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bobby D. Moser, Director of Ohio State University Extension, The Ohio State University. All educational programs and activities conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to all potential clientele on a non- discriminatory basis without regard to race, color creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, handicap or Vietnam-era veteran status.
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