Is frequent handling with reinforcement effective in improving management practices for feedlot heifers?

Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of frequent handling of feedlot female cattle to decrease animal handling time and stress indicators. Area of study: Brazil, São Paulo State. Material and methods: For four months, 90 Angus × Nellore crossbred cattle were evaluated, randomly divided into eight lots, and subdivided into two groups: the control group was handled only on the days of data collection and weighing, every 28 days, while the frequent handled group was walked to the handling area every 10 days, then moved through all the handling facilities, and offered a reward at the end (corn meal). During handling, rectal temperature and respiratory rate were recorded, and facial surface temperature measured using infrared thermography. After weighing, the animals’ reactivity was scored from 1 (non-reactive) to 4 (highly reactive), and exit velocities were measured. Main results: A reduction in handling time was observed for both treatments (P<0.05) with lower handling time for frequent handling animals (P<0.05). Higher means of rectal temperature and respiratory rate were observed in the control animals and in the final months (P<0.05). Exit velocity decreased over the months (P<0.05), and reactivity score was higher for control animals (P<0.05). The temperature of the muzzle was significantly higher in the control group. Other variables, such as frontal temperature, left and right ear temperature, and eye temperature, were not affected by frequent handling (P>0.05). Research highlights: It can be concluded that frequent handling with positive reinforcement was effective in improving the handling of animals, reducing reactivity, and reduced the thermographic temperature of the muzzle.