Low-Stress Cattle Handling workshop scheduled for Oct. 9 in Hondo
Program designed to enhance animal welfare, operational efficiency
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is holding a Low-Stress Cattle Handling workshop on Oct. 9 in Hondo.
The workshop will be held at the Hondo Livestock Auction Barn, 303 McHaughten, from 3-6 p.m. Registration is $10 per person and can be done by contacting the AgriLife Extension office in Medina County at 830-741-6180. Deadline to register is Oct. 4.
Low-stress handling reduces fear and anxiety, leading to healthier, higher-quality cattle and safer work environments for ranchers.
About the workshop
The program is designed to enhance both animal welfare and operational efficiency, said Taryn Titsworth, AgriLife Extension agent for Medina County.
Cattle under stress are more susceptible to health problems and decreased performance. Talks at the workshop will focus on understanding cattle behavior and how updating or designing facilities can reduce stress, improving safety for both livestock and handlers.
Topics to be covered include:
- Cattle behavior and facilities, Dale Rankin, AgriLife Extension agent for Atascosa County, and Titsworth.
- Low-stress cattle handling — why does it matter? Ron Gill, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist and professor in the Department of Animal Science, Stephenville.
- Cattle-handling demonstration, Gill.
- Livestock laws and regulations, Kevin Marmor, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association special ranger, Devine.
