The Canadian Cattlemen's Association

All cattle and horses must be handled in a controlled manner.
The Hard Push - When working with confined cattle there are times when a hard push is necessary in order to alleviate a future problem. An example is relocating a pen of finished cattle to the shipping area or another pen. It may appear as though the cattle handlers are using unnecessary roughness when if fact they may be executing a hard push in order to maintain the flow of cattle and avoid a turn-around situation that could result in carcass damage and injury to the livestock or handlers. Determining whether or not the cattle handlers are using unnecessary roughness is a highly subjective undertaking. When faced with a questionable situation it is recommended that management take the time to consider all the facts before reaching a conclusion.

Electric Prod Use

An approved low-voltage electric prod in the hands of a trained cattle handler is an acceptable livestock handling tool. Abuse of the electric prod, however, is not tolerated. The definition of abuse is:

Prodding an animal that is already moving in the desired direction
Prodding an animal that is boxed in on all sides and cannot move in any direction
Prodding an animal in the rectal, genital or facial areas
Any unwarranted or aggressive action taken against an animal with an electric prod

Squeeze Chutes

Personnel running the chute must be qualified and able to make consistent catches without compromising the welfare of the animals. Improper catches are uncommon if the facilities are constructed and lit properly. Slow, quiet and deliberate actions work the best.
Power (hydraulic) squeeze chutes require a higher level of skill and awareness to operate properly. Improper catches can lead to unnecessary broken horns, shoulder abscesses, internal injuries and broken bones. Qualified operators rarely injure an animal when using a power squeeze. Set the sides to within two inches on either side of the animal. Set the headgate to within one inch on either side of the head of the animal. Make the catch slowly and deliberately.

Exit scores reflect the level of speed and agitation with which the cattle exit the squeeze chute. Release the head first, then open the sides completely to avoid catching a hip on the way out.
Chute operators must develop and master a slow, quiet, deliberate and consistent operating technique. The technique must incorporate allowances for horned or sick cattle.

Loading / Unloading

The transfer of cattle between truckers and shippers/receivers at the feedlot must conform to the basics of controlled, low stress handling as outlined in this chapter.