Handling:

The handling of cows is a important aspect to understanding their behaviors and organizing low-stress techniques such as applying pressures while also releasing pressures. Handling with low-stress techniques helps maintain calmness, and low-stress activity for the health of the cattle. 

Signs of good handling: 

• Staying calm and slow
• Be visible and predictable
• Understanding the Flight zone (animals’ personal space)
• Understand point of balance (cow’s shoulder)

How to avoid bad handling: 

• Stay out of point of balance when not working 
• Keep animal together in a group rather than alone (cattle are herd animals not individual)
• Avoid prodding the animal (hotshot)
• Avoid standing still for too long might lead to anxiety