Animals deliver better results when they are not under pressure and stress, just like humans. Most farm animals have a purpose that, when mixed with stress hormones, could lower the quality and consistency of their products.
Farms rely on different procedures to manage various types of animals; some of these activities are necessary, like transportation and weighing, to ensure the safe development of the animals. These five ways to reduce stress when handling livestock offer viable results that prioritize calmness and easiness.
Keep Animals Hydrated
Water helps internal systems run more smoothly while keeping the brain oxygenated and lucid. Before any movement or procedure, it is essential to provide sufficient water to the animals. It should be easy to access and shaded if outdoors. Well-hydrated animals will deliver better products, whether it’s meat or dairy; your working animals will perform farm activities better when they’re hydrated.
Reduce Noise
Loud and unusual noises could startle livestock and create unnecessary stress, making things more complicated. For transportation purposes, it is best to keep the trailer at a considerable distance where livestock can calmly walk to without invading their space. Livestock get familiar with loud tractor noises on farms, but it’s best to keep new machinery far away.
Take Extra Time
Sometimes, unexpected things happen that could alter the consistency of a process, and you must be ready to deal with this in the best way possible. Scheduling extra time for certain activities will positively impact your livestock and minimize errors. If it’s time to weigh animals to track their development, place your scale in an open space, choose the right candidates, and guide them with care to the scale. The stress of rushing things could cause unwanted fluctuations, which makes dynamic weight necessary. So, taking it slow is essential.
Create a Clean Environment
Keeping a clean environment with the necessary features and characteristics, like access to clean water, shade, and food, is essential. A natural environment comes with elements that livestock naturally know how to deal with, but it is more challenging when many animals live in a cramped area. A clean, dry environment will positively impact their development and coexistence.
Set Routines
When animals have to perform unexpected activities, their stress levels will rise, especially when against their will. If you want to reduce stress while handling livestock, create daily or weekly routines to make things more comfortable and familiar for them. Animals can use memories to regulate the body, so consistency in activities will deliver good results.
