23 July 2014 Working with cattle to build better stockyards Understanding how cattle perceive the world and knowing how they are likely to react in given situations is the basis for good yard design and cattle handling. “The benefits of working cattle in yards that are built fit for purpose and promote the animals’ willingness to move, combined with an understanding of cattle behaviour reduces the risk of operator and animal injury, and the stress on both animals and the operator,” said Mr Bill Thomas, Proway. “Other benefits include reduced labour input, faster turnaround time for animals to get back to feed, better animal husbandry and the creation of opportunities to handle different types of cattle and take advantage of markets.” Cattle see differently to humans. They have a different eye position, do not see a broad colour spectrum and have poor depth perception. This limited depth perception causes them to baulk at foreign objects. “Understanding an animal’s flight zone and points of vision, and positioning yourself at points around the body of the beast will assist in moving cattle in different directions,” Bill said. “Cattle remember bad experiences. They also remember the way out and will readily move through a set of yards if they know it is the path to get back to a less stressful environment.” The best principles to apply when designing cattleyards is to let the cattle think they are escaping, not feeling trapped. Do not run them towards areas that look scary and unfamiliar until absolutely necessary. Bill Thomas will discuss tips and tools for working with cattle to build better stockyards at the Graham Centre Beef Forum being held at the Charles Sturt University Convention Centre on Friday 15 August. Producers will also hear about managing the challenges of volatile seasons and markets in beef production, online processing technologies for predicting carcass and meat quality and what this means for producers, opportunity and drought feedlots – practical experience and examples of making it work, animal welfare issues in cattle feedlots and farmers understanding and approach to control of Pestivirus in eastern Australia. The field day is run in conjunction with Local Land Services Riverina, with sponsorship contributed from Animal Health Australia, National Australia Bank, Regional Development Australia Riverina, Ancare, Riverina Cooperative, More Beef from Pastures and Teys Australia. Register online at www.grahamcentre.net or contact Toni Nugent, E: [email protected] or T: 02 6933 4402. For further details, interviews and photos please contact Toni Nugent, Industry Partnerships and Communications Manager, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation on mobile 0418 974 775. ‐ends‐ Sponsors: