Animal Welfare and Low-Stress Handling

Animal welfare is broader than any single label. It includes daily care,
nutrition, water, health, shelter, handling, transportation and the way
animals are managed throughout their lives.

Cattle respond to their environment

Cattle can become fearful or stressed when pressured or handled poorly.
Handlers who understand cattle behaviour can often move animals more calmly
and efficiently.

What is low-stress handling?

Low-stress handling generally uses an understanding of cattle behaviour,
position, movement and pressure to encourage animals to move where needed
without unnecessary force or excitement.

Facilities matter too

Pens, alleys, loading areas, gates, flooring and handling equipment can
influence how safely and calmly cattle move through a facility.

Welfare includes necessary care

Good welfare also means responding when animals are injured, sick, hungry,
thirsty or exposed to severe environmental conditions. A farm’s welfare
practices should be considered as a whole.