Low-stress cattle handling

Handling cattle without stress is safer for the operator, better for animal welfare, and likely to reduce production losses. The subject does not receive the attention it deserves, either in primary research or in efforts to disseminate best practices. To fully understand the concepts of low-stress stockmanship, it is useful to have an appreciation of the basic techniques of low-stress handling, facility design, cow flow, herd dynamics, nonverbal communication, human innate predator-like behaviours, and the neuroscience of cows' emotional states. This article briefly introduces the subject and provides resources and further reading to help practising farm veterinarians develop their knowledge and competence to train farm staff and others working with cattle.