Applying proper restraint

摘要

Recently I have run into several places with problems caused by a head-holder or other devices applying excessive pressure to an animal. If cattle vocalize (moo, bellow) in direct response to restraining their heads in a head-holder, there is a problem that needs to be corrected. In both cattle and pigs, vocalization during handling and restraint is associated with physiological measures of stress, such as cortisol, glucose and lactate. Blood levels of these substances increase when animals are poked with electric prods or stressed by a restraint device. They are also an indicator that the animal has become agitated and excited. US Dept. of Agriculture regulations state that agitation and excitement must be minimized. Vocalization in a head-holder can be caused by one of four factors: Excessive pressure applied by equipment; sharp edges; animal is held too long; and over-use of electric prods.