Beef Cattle

Behavior and Handling

Understand Behavior cattle is advisable. Generally, cattle rely to
a greater extent on hearing only when they
to Improve Handling have severe sight problems. They may sud-
By understanding cattle behavioral con-
denly swing around to investigate a noise.
cepts and sensory characteristics, handlers
Cattle use their sense of smell to
can take advantage of natural cattle behav-
identify other cattle and for heat detection
iors for low-stress handling. This can im-
and breeding activities. When an animal
prove the overall safety of cattle handling.
is frightened, it typically relies less on its
Proper animal handling also can result in a
sense of smell and more on vision and
more efficient handling process and better
hearing. Certain smells may cause wariness
cattle performance.
or fear if cattle associate the smells with
something bad.
Cattle Senses Cattle interpret their environment
Cattle sense their environment primar- through touch, as well. Firm strokes are
ily using their eyes, ears, and nose. They often calming to cattle. This explains why
also respond to touch and rely partially on they may reduce struggling when in a
taste in grazing preferences. squeeze chute. Pats may be misinterpreted
The eyes are wide set with panoramic as hitting. Light touches may tickle or scare
color vision. They can see approximately an animal and may be best avoided. Cattle
300 degrees around but not directly be- are herd animals and are comforted by the
hind themselves. Vertical vision of cattle feel of other animals around them, especial-
is limited to about 60 degrees. An animal ly when within three feet. Cattle can make
must lower its head to focus on the ground. specific touch associations, so avoid violent
Therefore, it is advisable to give cattle time or harassing touches.
to put their heads down to judge flooring Cattle can store fear memories long-
during handling. term. These memories may be specific and
Cattle have poor depth perception associated with a certain person or object
and cannot focus quickly. They may balk such as handling equipment. It is important
at stark contrasts in lighting. A shadow on to make the first interaction with an animal
the ground may appear to the animal as a as stress-free as possible. Use calm handling
deep hole. Cattle have color vision except to teach cattle to trust their handlers. Allow
red. They are sensitive to harsh contrasts cattle time to investigate their environment
between light and dark colors. Cattle may to satisfy their curiosity. Habituate cattle to
balk less in handling facilities that are uni- new people or objects.
form in color.
Cattle are less able than humans to
pinpoint the exact location of sound sourc-
Flight Zone and Point of Balance
Cattle exhibit a fight or flight response
es. They can determine sound sources to
when exposed to a perceived threat. They
within about 30 degrees. Cattle can hear
are more likely to flee than fight in most
both lower volume and higher frequency
cases but may fight when agitated. Cattle
sounds better than people and dislike loud,
are easily spooked and will often retreat
high-pitched sounds. Quiet handling of
when facing an uncomfortable situation.
 Figure 1. Overhead view of a cow, indicating flight zone, point of balance, blind spot, and handler
position to start and stop animal movement.
Adapted from Grandin and Deesing, 2008.

The flight zone is the distance that the cattle can electric prods as much as possible. To reduce the
be from handlers and still feel comfortable. It is their chance of an animal fighting its handler, never prod it
personal space. The flight zone distance varies from when it has no place to go. Cattle may butt or inten-
animal to animal. It tends to increase for less tame tionally run over people, particularly when provoked.
cattle, when cattle are approached from the head, when For safety and welfare reasons, minimize the use
cattle are excited, or when cattle are worked on horse- of electric prods. An electric prod should not be a
back. The flight zone tends to decrease when cattle are person’s primary driving tool. It should only be used
in a single-file chute. when absolutely required to move a stubborn ani-
Use the flight zone concept to move cattle quietly. mal and then should be put back down. When cattle
When a person enters the flight zone, the animal typi- continuously balk, investigate and correct the reason
cally moves away from the person. The animal stops rather than resort to overuse of electric prods. When
moving when the handler moves out of the flight zone. cattle prods must be used, avoid contact with the eyes,
Cattle have a wide area of peripheral vision, with only rectum, genitalia, and udder. Never use driving aids
a small blind spot immediately behind them. Standing powered by AC current unless manufactured and
in an animal’s blind spot is a bad idea because it may labeled specifically for that purpose.
startle the animal, and the handler may be kicked. An
animal is likely to turn when a handler enters its blind Cattle Self-Defense Mechanisms
spot. Do not approach cattle from directly behind. Cattle use several different methods to protect
The point of balance is a place on the shoulder of themselves, including flight, kicks, stomps, head butts,
the animal. Use this point to encourage the animal to and squeezes. A spooked animal (even a small calf)
go forward and backward. Cattle typically move for- can run into or over a person and cause severe injury.
ward (or backward) when a handler crosses the point Mature cattle and calves have a powerful kick. Cows
of balance of each animal. If you don’t want to move tend to kick with a roundhouse motion, whereas calves
cattle in the opposite direction, be sure to exit the flight tend to kick straight back (see Figure 2). Leave plenty
zone when crossing the point of balance. Move cattle of room between cattle and people when working ani-
calmly and slowly. Quick movements or loud noises mals. Handlers need to be cautious of head butts and
can spook cattle and make moving them more difficult. slinging. These head movements are especially dan-
Take advantage of the flight zone and point of bal- gerous with horned cattle, which can gore handlers or
ance to herd cattle. Use non-electric driving aids (“per- other cattle. Do not assume restraining cattle removes
suaders”), such as plastic paddles, sorting sticks, flags, these risks. Cattle restrained in squeeze chutes can still
or streamers affixed to long handles, to quietly guide sling their heads, stomp, and cause injury.
and turn animals. These tools can be used to turn cattle Cattle can squeeze or crush handlers or other
by blocking their vision on one side and should replace animals between themselves and facilities. Standing
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 Safety for Cattle Handlers
Cattle can seriously injure or kill people. Being
careless or in the wrong place at the wrong time can be
costly. Livestock are a major cause of farm accidents.
Nearly half of all cattle handling injuries involve gates
and other physical barriers that handlers were pushed
into or had pushed into them.
Safety is paramount for both handlers and
livestock, and good facilities provide a safe working
environment. Good pens, gates, and equipment help
prevent injuries. Proper restraint is important when
Figure 2. Mature cattle tend to kick forward, to the side, and then working with animals. If cattle are immobilized,
back (top). Calves tend to kick slightly out to the side and then back or
straight back (bottom).
they are less likely to be able to injure people during
handling.
Use experienced people to operate squeeze chutes.
Avoid standing directly in front of cattle when work-
ing with the head gate. Make sure restraining squeezes
behind a gate (even a latched one) can result in injury allow proper access to the animal.
if cattle kick or run into the gate. A person standing Pay close attention to what is going on at all times
between a gate and a fence or otherwise in the path of during cattle handling to help keep injuries from oc-
cattle can be crushed between the gate and the fence or curring. Injuries are more likely if handlers are distract-
between cattle and the fence. The weight of cattle can ed. Observe cattle closely for signs of fear or distress.
put a great deal of force on a person. Even an animal These signs include increased tail swishing, exposure
turning can press a person against a fence and cause of eye whites, raised heads appearing vigilant, ears
injury. Another risk is being pushed into sharp objects pointed toward a concern, increased defecation, loose
that may cause punctures. manure, quivering skin, and increased breathing rate.
Cattle tend to move in groups and follow the Signs of aggression include erratic movements, tail
leader. This herd mentality can be used to move groups flicking, ground pawing, turning sideways, pinned
with less stress by focusing on getting the lead animals back ears, and snorting. If an animal becomes agitated,
to move in the desired direction and then allowing the the best thing to do may be to wait until the animal
rest of the herd to follow. Avoid isolating individual calms down before trying to move it.
animals when possible. Isolated animals are more Work calmly and try not to get too hurried or frus-
likely to seek escape routes and display nervous be- trated. Getting impatient and trying to go too fast can
havior, leading to increased injury risk or performance increase injury risk or reduce efficiency. Fill the crowd
losses. They will seek the company of other cattle and pen only half full instead of packing it. Do not make
may run through fencing or people trying to rejoin the handling choices that increase injury risk like tying a
herd. Highly temperamental cattle may attack handlers lead rope to a person or standing directly behind a gate
when isolated. If an animal needs to be penned away that could be pushed open.
from the herd, place a companion herdmate in the pen Anticipate what cattle might do during handling,
or nearby. It may be easier to move additional cattle and adjust handling in response to animal behavior
along with one that needs to be handled rather than cues. Avoid leading cattle into an enclosed area with-
moving just the one animal. Do not chase lone animals. out an escape route. Plan escape routes in advance of
Even tame cattle can injure handlers, especially cattle handling. Wear appropriate attire, such as long
if surprised. Never trust an animal, even if it is hal- pants and closed-toed shoes with good traction.
ter broken and normally docile. Maternal instincts, Cattle do not like to be restrained and will look
removal from familiar surroundings, and environmen- for a way to escape. Most cattle have a great weight
tal agitators can all contribute to unpredictable cattle advantage over their handlers. Yet even smaller calves
behavior. Handlers should never let their guards down can hurt their handlers. Work with at least one other
when handling cattle. Dams with calves may exhibit person when possible. Having enough workers on
aggressive behaviors to try to protect their young from hand not only helps to improve efficiency but also
danger. Cattle moved away from a familiar pasture or ensures people are available in the case of a handling
pen, removed from feed, separated from the herd, or injury. Keep a mobile phone handy when handling
approached by an unfamiliar person may act unex- cattle to call for assistance if needed.
pectedly. Shadows, yelling, or other agitators may also
cause unexpected behavior.

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Table 1. Temperament scoring scale and description.

Temperament Temperament
Temperament description
score classification

1 docile Mild disposition. Gentle and easily handled. Stands and moves slowly during processing. Undisturbed,
settled, somewhat dull. Does not pull on headgate when in chute. Exits chute calmly.

2 restless Quieter than average, but may be stubborn during processing. May try to back out of chute or pull
back on headgate. Some flicking of tail. Exits chute promptly.

3 nervous Typical temperament is manageable, but nervous and impatient. A moderate amount of struggling,
movement, and tail flicking. Repeated pushing and pulling on headgate. Exits chute briskly.

4 flighty, wild Jumpy and out of control; quivers and struggles violently. May bellow and froth at the mouth. Continu-
ous tail flicking. Defecates and urinates during processing. Frantically runs fence line and may jump
when penned individually. Exhibits long flight distance and exits chute wildly.

5 aggressive May be similar to Score 4, but with added aggressive behavior, fearfulness, extreme agitation, and
continuous movement, which may include jumping and bellowing while in chute. Exits chute frantically
and may exhibit attack behavior when handled alone.

6 very aggressive Extremely aggressive temperament. Thrashes about or attacks wildly when confined in small, tight
places. Pronounced attack behavior.

Adapted from Beef Improvement Federation, 2010.

Temperament Temperament scoring should be conducted at

Important behaviors to beef cattle production weaning or yearling ages because an animal’s be-
include reactions to processing through a squeeze havior can be influenced by past experiences. This
chute, maternal instincts at calving, newborn calf will reduce the extent to which current behavior has
vigor, bull serving capacity, and foraging behavior. been influenced by prior handling experiences. Some
Among the most important of behavioral traits, breeds have developed temperament-related expected
temperament reflects the ease with which animals progeny differences (EPD) such as docility EPD. It
respond to handling, treatment, and routine manage- is recommended to use this selection tool to select
ment. Temperament is also referred to as disposition. against highly excitable cattle.
Animals with temperament problems are a safety
risk to handlers, themselves, and other animals in the Reduce Stress on Cattle
herd. Temperament affects handling equipment re- Stress compromises cattle health and makes cattle
quirements, operation liability exposure, beef quality handling more difficult. There are many potential
assurance, and performance. Highly excitable cattle sources of cattle stress such as climate extremes, cli-
are more likely to have lower average daily gains and mate changes, disease, parasites, injuries, mud, noise,
carcass quality grades. predators, poor nutrition, handling, calving, wean-
Subjective pen or chute scores can be used to ing, castration, dehorning, hauling, commingling, and
evaluate cattle temperament. The Beef Improvement isolation. Some of these factors are difficult to control
Federation scoring scale for processing through a or avoid, whereas management can largely control
chute appears in Table 1. Evaluation of cattle tem- others. Minimize cattle stress by planning management
perament in a pen may be a more reliable evaluation procedures with stress reduction as a goal.
of animal temperament than evaluation of an animal Reducing cattle stress during handling improves
restrained in a chute. In addition, note that highly ex- cattle performance, health, and well-being. Use of
citable cattle are more likely to exit chutes faster than proper cattle handling techniques is critical for low-
less excitable cattle. stress handling. Employ the cattle handling guidelines

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listed above to make working cattle easier and safer intake may be depressed in these conditions. Breeding
for people and cattle. Adhere to best management programs in Mississippi should consider cattle heat
practices and Beef Quality Assurance guidelines for stress tolerance and ability to adapt to their regional
cattle handling. Follow these tips to reduce cattle stress environment.
during handling: At a constant temperature, the heat index (tem-
• assess cattle flow perature humidity index) increases as the relative
• use proper, maintained facilities humidity increases. Each one mile per hour increase
• have solid footing in wind speed decreases the heat index by approxi-
• familiarize cattle with facilities mately one. Extreme heat conditions exist when tem-
• move cattle carefully perature and humidity are at levels to create a heat
• work cattle in groups index of 100 °F or higher.
• use point of balance concepts During periods of high heat and humidity and
• call cattle rather than drive them little wind, take actions to minimize the effects of heat
• prevent noise and distractions stress as cattle are processed. Provide adequate water.
• avoid stark lighting changes If possible, avoid handling cattle when the risk of heat
• remove sharp objects stress is high. If cattle must be handled, a general rule
• use experienced people is to work them before the heat index reaches 84, if
• treat cattle with respect possible. Work cattle more prone to heat stress first,
• stay alert and calm earlier in the day. Limit the time cattle spend in han-
• watch for kicks and head butts dling facilities where heat stress may be more sig-
• limit use of prods nificant. Heat management tools, such as shades and
• use products carefully sprinklers, should be considered if sufficient natural
• move cattle into chute easily shade is not available.
• prevent backing in working chute Another means of limiting cattle stress is to offer
• prevent turning in working chute cattle adequate space for comfort, socialization, and
• properly restrain cattle when working them environmental management. Maintain pens, including
manure harvesting, to help improve pen conditions.
Ensure that cattle handling facilities are designed Monitor accumulation of mud on cattle as a measure
and maintained to reduce cattle stress. Mississippi of pen condition and cattle care in relation to weather
State University Extension Service Publication 2787 conditions. Properly drain floors in housing facilities.
Beef Cattle Handling Facilities provides guidance on Implement dust reduction measures where needed to
facilities design and use. For example, provide traction improve animal performance.
on flooring in barns and handling alleys to help pre- Take seriously the responsibility to provide proper
vent injuries to animals and handlers. Handling alleys care to cattle. The Producer Code of Cattle Care funded
and housing pens must be free of sharp edges and pro- by the Beef Checkoff includes general recommenda-
trusions to prevent injuries to animals and handlers. tions for care and handling of cattle addressing provi-
Design and operate alleys and gates to avoid impeding sion of—
cattle movement. When operating gates and catches, • adequate food, water, and care,
reduce excessive noise, which may cause distress to the • disease prevention practices,
animals. Adjust hydraulic or manual restraining chutes • facilities that allow safe and humane cattle move-
to the appropriate size of cattle to be handled. Regu- ment and/or restraint, and
larly clean and maintain working parts of handling • personnel properly trained to handle and care for
facilities to ensure the system functions properly and is cattle.
safe for cattle and handlers. Mechanical and electrical
devices used in cattle housing facilities must be safe. Make sure that all cattle handlers and caregiv-
Environmental conditions that contribute to cattle ers follow the Producer Code of Cattle Care. Provide
stress are not uncommon in Mississippi. Storms, heat, employees of the cattle operation with proper instruc-
and humidity are examples of such conditions. MSU tion, training, and oversight to perform their duties in
Extension Publication 2507 Hurricane Preparedness and accordance with these guidelines. Abuse of cattle is not
Recovery for Beef Cattle Operations details management acceptable under any circumstances. Do not tolerate
considerations with regard to severe weather. Extreme anyone who willfully mistreats cattle.
heat and humidity conditions can be problematic For more information on cattle behavior and
in Mississippi and pose a significant health risk to handling or other beef cattle production topics, contact
stressed cattle. When cattle are stressed during ex- an office of the Mississippi State University Extension
treme heat conditions, they are more likely to become Service or visit msucares.com/livestock/beef.
non-ambulatory, get sick, and die. In addition, feed

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References
Beef Improvement Federation. 2010. Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs. 9th ed. Raleigh, NC.

Fox, S. 2011. Worker injuries involving the interaction of cattle, cattle handlers, and farm structures or equipment.
M. S. Thesis. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS.

Grandin, T., and M. Deesing. 2008. Humane Livestock Handling. Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 2003. The Cattle Industry’s Guidelines for the Care and Handling of
Cattle. Beef Quality Assurance Program. Centennial, CO.

Ohio State University Extension. 2002. Cattle Handling and Working Facilities. Bulletin 906. Columbus, OH.

Vann, R. C. and R. D. Randel. 2004. Relationship between measures of temperament and carcass traits in feedlot
steers. J. Anim. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):259. (Abstr.).

Voisinet, B. D., T. Grandin, S. F. O’Connor, J. D. Tatum, and M. J. Deesing. 1997a. Bos indicus-cross feedlot cattle
with excitable temperaments have tougher meat and a higher incidence of borderline dark cutters. Meat Sci.
46:367-377.

Voisinet, B. D., T. Grandin, J. D. Tatum, S. F. O’Connor, and J. J. Struthers. 1997b. Feedlot cattle with calm tempera-
ments have higher average daily gains than cattle with excitable temperaments. J. Anim. Sci. 75:892-896.

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The information given here is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products, trade
names, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no dis-
crimination against other products or suppliers is intended.
Copyright 2013 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed
without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State Univer-
sity Extension Service.
By Jane A. Parish, Extension Professor, and Brandi B. Karisch, Assistant Extension/Research Profes-
sor, Animal and Dairy Sciences; and Rhonda C. Vann, Research Professor, MAFES Brown Loam Branch
Station.
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a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon
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Publication 2801
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pub-
lished in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director
(POD-08-13)