Understanding Cattle Senses for Better Handling Experiences

Introduction

When handling cattle, it is easy to forget that they perceive the world differently than humans do. At times, these differences can make working with them frustrating. Effective cattle handlers recognize cattle vision and hearing traits and set up their facilities to reduce problems.

Vision

Cattle have very different vision than humans. As predators, human vision is binocular (using both eyes) and has a large blind spot directly behind. As prey animals, cattle vision is primarily monocular (using one eye) with a narrow range of binocular vision directly in front of them. They have a much smaller blind spot directly behind them compared to humans. This video from the Humane Handling Institute provides some insight on what it is like to move through a chute with cattle vision.

Cattle have poor depth perception because of their largely monocular vision. This often causes them to balk at shadows or color changes on the ground. To determine that a shadow is not a hole in the ground, cattle must stop and put their heads down to look at it with their field of binocular vision. Handlers can help minimize balking by modifying areas where the floor color changes, as cattle may perceive these shifts as steps or drop-offs. Even subtle color changes may be enough to interrupt flow. Using more light to eliminate shadows or bedding to the floor to make uniform color can improve flow. 

Cattle perceive light and color differently than humans. Cattle tend to move towards well-lit areas rather than dark areas. Ensuring that cattle are being asked to move into areas that are well-lit can help with movement through handling systems. Be mindful that cattle may hesitate if light is shining directly in their eyes. Due to their ability to detect color changes, designing handling facilities with a uniform color may help reduce animal hesitation and improve movement through the facility.

Hearing

Cattle are more sensitive to sound than humans are. Loud or unexpected noises can be stressful and distracting. The sound of banging metal or pump noises on a hydraulic squeeze chute can cause animals to balk. Adding rubber stops on gates and making sure that hinges are properly lubricated on your chute can help decrease the amount of noise. On hydraulic chutes, consider placing the pump farther away from the chute to help prevent excess noise in the handling area.

Author

 

Beth McIlquham

Beth McIlquham is a Regional Livestock Educator serving Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon counties. She works alongside producers to provide livestock-related programming aligned with the needs of the area.

Articles by Beth McIlquham

Contact Beth McIlquham