Lone Animal Policy

Background:

Lone animal behavior is similar to that of a fight or flight behavior response in wild ungulate such as elk, deer, caribou, Yak, and Muskox. In the wild, ungulates are considered prey animals and will exhibit altered behavior when “life threatening” experiences occur or when offspring is vulnerable.

Even though cattle are have been domesticated for thousands of years they‘re brains are still hard wired to react as a prey species. And believe it or not, humans are considered a predator to cattle. As cattle are herding animals by nature, they find comfort and safety within a group of cattle. On the contrary, cattle feel threatened when they are singled out by themselves.

When cattle are displaying fight or flight behavior it is a safety concern for animal by injury such as breaking neck as well as handlers by trampling, charging. Being able to identify these responses can ultimately prevent injury to both employees and cattle.

Flight responses in prey or herbivores include swift advances in attempt to get away which may include; hitting and/or pacing up and down fences in attempt to reunite with herd mates.

Fight responses may include; charging, head shaking, snorting, and pawing.

Justification for policy:

JF Murray takes cattle and handler safety seriously and wants to ensure all staff is trained properly to handle cattle and to ensure cattle that are agitated, stressed and on the fight are handled in a safe and humane manner.

How policy will be enforced:

Lone animal policy will be enforced by all handlers will receive a copy of policy and sign. When animal injuries occur there will be cattle injury investigation form completed, which has specific questions regarding behavior and if animal was alone. Each incident will be followed up in a manner by manager or supervision.

Please note that this procedure is intended for whole pen movements at processing barn facilities, not for treatment of sick animals. However, similar procedures must be taken if animal becomes stressed, as cattle are comfortable and desensitized to pen riders. We realize that there are animals with unfavorable temperaments and it is handler’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the animal by reading animal, creating awareness and acting in a timely manner.

Standard Operating Procedure for Handling lone animals:

Chute Miss: Send 2 additional animals with always. These animals have already been through chute and are stressed already.

Strays or sick animals:

Put animal in a sort alley next to a group of cattle
If animal becomes agitated put an additional animal in with lone animal; if the animal is severely agitated, put additional animals with individual if animal requires to be handled through barn.

*Remember animals are easier to handle in groups

Be prepared for mishaps such as improper catching of animal, broken horns, and strays.
Monitor lone animals! Don’t forget about them.
Ensure the “run around gate is open to allow animal to rejoin herd
It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that lone animals are managed in a safe humane manner.
Always home lone animals FIRST, do not leave them by them selves to home last.

Actions that are not acceptable and grounds for disciplinary action

Teasing or taunting the animal to charge fence.
Irritate or rile up animal further.
Prodding animal.
Leaving an animal alone for a long period of time.
Leaving the animal without access to feed and water over night.

What to when:

Only have one stray or one sort off;
If the animal is not displaying a high level of stress, it is ok to leave the animal alone until the pen movement is completed. However, the animal must be first priority for homing. If the animal appears stressed, mix a few more animals in with it to be sorted and homed first.
Only have one left in tub;
If an animal is reluctant to exit the tub through the snake, give it some space, inspect the area for distractions and remove all distractions if necessary prior to attempting to move the animal through the snake. If the animal continues to refuse leaving the tub or the process takes longer than 5 minutes, let the animal out of the tub and try again.
Animal is out of control;
If an animal is unmanageable, place him with other cattle immediately and allow the pen riders to sort it out. Do not attempt to move an animal if you are unsure of the outcome or do not feel safe.
Sick or injured animal;
Animals that are sick or injured may display heightened fight or flight responses. If an animal requires a health assessment, it is important to contact a member of the health crew and or manager immediately to assess the animal and conduct necessary health procedures.
Cannot sort a missed animal from group;
If an animal is missed in the chute and mixed with animals that are already processed, it must be sorted to run back around. If the animal proves to be too difficult to sort from the rest, take a large group and run them through the chute when they have had time to calm.

Thoughts/ Changes/modifications on this policy? Advise us and we will alter !

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Timestamp

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July 18, 2017 11:38 pm MDT

Lone Animal Policy Uploaded by Michelle Bryan - [email protected] IP 108.173.181.234