Paddocks, lanes, cattle yards used to ‘handle’ cattle to reduce stress in livestock

Paddocks, lanes, cattle yards used to ‘handle’ cattle to reduce stress in livestock

by Eleanor @ Framework,

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Theme: Animal welfare

Priority: Competent livestock handling, safe livestock transport

Producer: Geoff Birchnell

Location: Loomberah, NSW

"Our family operates a stud and commercial beef cattle herd and practice low-stress stock handling. To do this we have designed paddocks, lanes and cattle yards which allow the cattle to move freely with minimal pressure.”

KEY POINTS

  • Effective design of paddocks and cattle yards assist with low-stress cattle handling practices
  • Animal welfare central to sustainable and responsible farming to Birchnell famil

Geoff Birchnell and his family of beef producers have designed paddocks, lanes and cattle yards on their Loomberah, Northern NSW property to allow the cattle to move freely with minimal pressure.

The Birchnells practice these low-stress stock handling techniques in their stud and commercial beef cattle herd to improve the welfare of their animals.

Geoff’s approach to low-stress stock handling is comprehensive. Where possible, they sell their cattle on farm or at the nearest selling facility to minimise the stress of long travel and the impact of motor vehicles emissions.

Travel is not always avoidable, however, and some of the herd is exhibited at shows which means they are transported more frequently and often in foreign environments. “To minimise their stress levels, we always ensure our cattle are handled from a young age and they always have access to clean, fresh water and high-quality feed,” Geoff says.

For Geoff, to be a beef producer is a great responsibility. “Enabling the next generation of producers to feed the world sustainably requires knowledge, adoption and implementation of both existing and new technologies, and paddock-to-plate collaboration and training," he says. "It is my mission to ensure that I continue to grow and learn and share my knowledge and skills with my peers to leave our farm in the best possible condition for future generations.”

Categories: Animal welfare