The Welfare of Cattle
Myths and Reality
Today we have learnt about the welfare in the beef cattle, throughout different areas in the industry. We learnt that myths such as mustering and walking the cattle a certain distances is cruel and inhumane. Although in reality, mustering them is for their own benefit as they are either getting moved to a new paddock with more feed, or being taken to the yards for treatment or hormone benefits. This shows that even though cattle seem to being treated like slaves, to the normal eye, they are actually living a life of paradise and leisure.
Matt, Steel and Caleb
Today we have learnt about the welfare in the beef cattle, throughout different areas in the industry. We learnt that myths such as mustering and walking the cattle a certain distances is cruel and inhumane. Although in reality, mustering them is for their own benefit as they are either getting moved to a new paddock with more feed, or being taken to the yards for treatment or hormone benefits. This shows that even though cattle seem to being treated like slaves, to the normal eye, they are actually living a life of paradise and leisure.
Matt, Steel and Caleb
It’s Not Always a
Battle to Process Your Cattle
The perceived negative issues of livestock husbandry, seen by some people who aren’t farmers, are that the cattle are put through pain and that certain procedures upset them. However, the truth is that all of the husbandry procedures adhere to strict government regulations concerning the welfare of the animal.
Animal welfare is addressed in livestock husbandry by using certain products/tools to remove their horns and castrate them, so that they are not put through unnecessary pain. It is believed that if farmers practice low stress when handling it can reduce the stress of the animal when these procedures are taking place. Another thing farmers do to reduce the pain and stress of the beast is they get them to go into a crush or cradle for calves. This helps to keep the beast still and makes it easier for the farmers to dehorn, castrate and tag them; it helps to keep the cattle calm and settled. It is very clear that farmers take care when it comes to livestock husbandry in the beef industry.
Selena and Ty, Year 7
The perceived negative issues of livestock husbandry, seen by some people who aren’t farmers, are that the cattle are put through pain and that certain procedures upset them. However, the truth is that all of the husbandry procedures adhere to strict government regulations concerning the welfare of the animal.
Animal welfare is addressed in livestock husbandry by using certain products/tools to remove their horns and castrate them, so that they are not put through unnecessary pain. It is believed that if farmers practice low stress when handling it can reduce the stress of the animal when these procedures are taking place. Another thing farmers do to reduce the pain and stress of the beast is they get them to go into a crush or cradle for calves. This helps to keep the beast still and makes it easier for the farmers to dehorn, castrate and tag them; it helps to keep the cattle calm and settled. It is very clear that farmers take care when it comes to livestock husbandry in the beef industry.
Selena and Ty, Year 7
ANIMAL WELFARE IN SALEYARDS
How is animal welfare addressed in saleyards? The general public have some concerns that sheep and cattle can become stressed through the process of them getting transported and then having to spend a long period of time in the saleyards. However, saleyards in the beef industry are important because they have to make sure that the cattle has a fit and healthy habitat. This includes a shady yard, which always provides full access to water. They also get feed in a smell holding yard. So they do not walk their weight off so they keep them in a smell yard. The livestock are held in yards up to a maximum 24 hours.
Libby Rogers, Year 7
How is animal welfare addressed in saleyards? The general public have some concerns that sheep and cattle can become stressed through the process of them getting transported and then having to spend a long period of time in the saleyards. However, saleyards in the beef industry are important because they have to make sure that the cattle has a fit and healthy habitat. This includes a shady yard, which always provides full access to water. They also get feed in a smell holding yard. So they do not walk their weight off so they keep them in a smell yard. The livestock are held in yards up to a maximum 24 hours.
Libby Rogers, Year 7
Animal welfare in action in Australian feedlots
Some people perceive Australian feedlots to be an unnatural production system which creates animal welfare issues for cattle. This could also make it hard for the farmers to sell ‘the cattle because they are not 100% organic. The facts are, feedlots provide good food for the cattle with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, energy and protein for the cattle to stay strong. When in the feedlots, the cattle are able to get shelter and water and the farmers would have to provide the right amount of food for the cattle so all the cattle will get fed enough.
Liza Bailey, Year 8
Some people perceive Australian feedlots to be an unnatural production system which creates animal welfare issues for cattle. This could also make it hard for the farmers to sell ‘the cattle because they are not 100% organic. The facts are, feedlots provide good food for the cattle with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, energy and protein for the cattle to stay strong. When in the feedlots, the cattle are able to get shelter and water and the farmers would have to provide the right amount of food for the cattle so all the cattle will get fed enough.
Liza Bailey, Year 8