- -  AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM  - -

(CLF3000)  Advanced Core Cluster:  ANIMAL SCIENCE

  (CLF3100)  Unit Title:  LIVESTOCK TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND RESTRAINT

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  (CLF3102)  Topic:  LIVESTOCK RESTRAINT        Time          Year(s)
                                               1 hour          3 / 4
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          Topic objective:  Upon completion of this lesson, the student will
                            be able to:

          Learning Outcome #:
         
            (A-2)  -  Discuss the purposes of proper handling and restraint
                      as it relates to the safety of both the handler and
                      livestock.

          Special Materials and Equipment:  Some of the following items can
                      be demonstrated:  squeeze chute, snare, halter, nose 
                      tongs, and any other restraint equipment available.
                 
          References: Ensminger, M.E. (1983). THE STOCKMAN'S HANDBOOK.

          Evaluation: Demonstration by the student of proper use of
                      livestock restraint equipment.


TOPIC PRESENTATION:  LIVESTOCK RESTRAINT

A.  Introduction

    1.  There are many different methods of restraining animals.  A person 
        involved in livestock production should understand the various 
        methods of restraint and the reasons behind their use.

    2.  Livestock should be handled humanely but firmly by proper methods to 
        prevent injury to both livestock and handlers.  They should be
        restrained for only the amount of time needed.

B.  Purposes of Restraining Animals

    1.  Treatment of disease or injuries:

        a.  In order to vaccinate animals or treat injuries, an animal 
            frequently must be immobilized. 

            1)  In particular, injured animals can be dangerous to 
                themselves and to handlers.

            2)  Even for healthy animals some restraint is warrant to 
                protect all involved.

    2.  Taming or gentling animals,

        a.  Many times in order to utilize an animal for show purposes, the 
            animal must be restrained by using a halter or other device, 
            (horses and cattle).

        b.  This is also a good practice for hauling livestock.

    3.  Safety to the animal,

        a.  Many times when in the vicinity of humans, animals will react 
            with fright and attempt to bolt or pull away.

        b.  Frequent human contact will prevent injury and minimize stress 
            because the animal becomes accustomed to humans and no longer 
            consider them an unknown.

C.  Methods of Restraint

    1.  The method of restraint varies with the species of animal.  Ideally,
        the handler should precondition the animal to any restraint
        equipment, unless preconditioning is impractical or it will stress
        the animal to an extreme.

        a.  Halter - A halter allows the handler to control the animal's 
            head.  This method of restraint may be used during difficult 
            calvings.  The cow or heifer may be tied using a halter while
            the handler checks the position of the unborn calf or pulls the
            calf out of the birth canal.

        b.  Squeeze chute - A squeeze chute allows complete immobilization
            of the animal.  Its head is locked between stanchion bars and
            the sides of the chute are moveable. The handler can safely 
            treat the animal without fear of being kicked or stepped on.

        c.  Snare - This device is used to restrain swine.  The animal's 
            upper jaw is caught in a loop using a rope or a cable.  This
            immobilizes the pig's head.  A halter cannot be used effectively 
            on swine.

        d.  Nose tongs - Nose tongs are used on cattle to restrain the 
            animal's head.  The tongs put pressure on the soft tissues of 
            the nose, causing the animal to be still.  This method of
            restraint is more severe than a halter as it may slip out of the
            nose and cause injury.  They are used with range cattle when
            squeeze chutes are unavailable or when the head must be handled
            in a chute.

        e.  Milking stands - Similar type of restraint as a squeeze chute.  
            Cattle or goats are confined in a stanchion.

        f.  Manual restraint - Sheep and goats, baby calves, and piglets are
            restrained by either being lifted up off the ground or flipped 
            over to their side or on their rump. (Do not restrain them by 
            their wool or hair.)


        g.  Hobbles - Leather or rawhide bindings placed on the front or 
            hind pair of legs to hinder travel and leg movement.

            1)  Placed on mares during breeding to prevent kicking or on the
                lead horses to prevent any roaming during stop overs on pack
                trips.

            2)  Placed on dairy cows that are prone to slipping and doing
                the splits and then cannot easily get up and stay up.

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          ACTIVITY:
  
          1.  Identify the equipment discussed in lecture, and 
              demonstrate its use, providing the situation is 
              available.  Have students practice with various 
              types of restraint equipment. 

          2.  ENRICHMENT: Discuss tools and equipment used in the
              dairy industry.  (Use the STOCKMAN'S HANDBOOK as a 
              reference.)  Discuss the differences between beef 
              cattle and dairy cattle equipment.
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4/16/90 sg/gv

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