The Simplicity in Understanding Behavioural Cues

Written by:  

Doc & Lucy at the North Texas Cattleman's Association field day, Texas USA

Dr Tom Noffsinger - DVM - Production Animal Consultants

&

Lucy Morrissey - Morrissey & Friends Livestock Services

At the heart of stockmanship lies a profound simplicity—the ability to read, interpret, and respond to cattle cues with patience and timeliness. While cattle behaviour may appear complex at a glance, becoming attuned to the subtleties enables communication with livestock that is deeply intuitive, provided the handler embraces a conscious, sensory presence.

When cattle are introduced to novel experiences in constructive ways through positive interaction, the animal learns to respond without fight and flight reactivity. The development of a trusting relationship between handler and herd establishes this association allowing for an understanding that, although an interaction may cause stress, ultimately, the experience will end in a short time and contentment will soon be reestablished

The Requests of Handlers

Developing a human / animal interaction set up for success is reliant on the ability to respond appropriately, not reactively. Timing becomes everything. A well-executed application of pressure and release; whether through body positioning, posture, movement, or space, becomes a powerful language. The release of the intentionally timed and applied pressure is the reward; the timing of this release teaches trust and guides behaviour; in turn the desired directional movement or action.

Recognising the slightest try, the micro-response, to an application of pressure, and responding with a release educates the animal to interact on cue with little effort.

Handlers provide intentional non-verbal guidance: the design or angle of their movement off the globe of the animal’s eye, the intent in their energy, and the direction of their glance. Cattle, as prey animals, are sensitive to dominant behaviours; compassion is not only ethical, it’s practical. An animal that feels safe is more likely to respond with compliant behaviour, be guided through necessary husbandry and movement requests, and perform.

The Results

When stockmen embody these principles, cattle respond in kind.

They show:

·      Trust in water sources and willingness to drink with purpose

·      Confidence in nutrition when availability is reliable, and delivery is consistent

·      Comfort in surroundings, marked by rest, rumination, playfulness

·      Confidence in their herd, moving fluidly as a unit, showing positive herd structure

·      A craving for positive human interaction, seeking the familiar energy of confident, kind and predictable handlers

·      A willingness to follow, moved not by force but drawn by curiosity and trust in the stockman

·      Compliant and calm responses during interaction, transport, or husbandry requirements

·      Acclimatised and content behaviour, adapting well to new settings or routines, with minimal interruption to health and wellbeing

·      And ultimately, enhanced performance; in growth, fertility, or productivity; rooted in welfare.

When we begin to understand the simplistic nature of the slightest of behavioural cues, and be gracious through the ever-changing value, the interaction becomes a humbling process. A process where we learn to adapt and communicate on a level that creates consistent, positive, and impactful interactions; of which the stockman pursues, and physiological homeostasis is fulfilled for the animal…

A 'Morrissey Minute' by Dr Tom