Dairy Cattle Production and Management

35.068

Working Safely With Dairy Cattle

Safe Handling of Cattle

Working Safely With Dairy Cattle

Dairy cattle are generally more nervous than other animals

Use a gentle approach to avoid startling them When moved to the milking stalls
allow them to adapt to the new environment before the operation

Safely Approach to Cattle

Large animals can see at wide angles

But there is a blind spot any movement in this area makes the animal uneasy and nervous

Announce your approach

touching the animals front or side

Most large animals will kick in an arch

beginning toward the front and moving toward the back

Avoid this kicking region when approaching the animal

Separate Cattle Safely

A large cow weights 1500 lbs Its not a good idea to separate it manually
They may run you over

It is safer to use proper handling facilities

Use a chute that has minimal distractions

Leave Yourself An Out

If you are inside a handling facility or milking lane

Leave a way to get out Avoid entering a small enclosed area with large animals Use it only if equipped with an easily accessed mangate

Be Careful Around Sick /Hurt Animals

Protect yourself from any animal borne disease
Undulant fever Tetanus Rabies wear personal protective equipment or clothing practice good hygiene
wash your hands and face after handling animals

Practice Good House Keeping

Keep the work area clean and free of debris

Eliminate any sharp corners in walkways Ensure that all latches and levers cannot fly open easily Clean concrete floors and ramps regularly
prevents slips and trips

Store properly out of the way

pitch forks and other sharp tools

Maintain Even Lighting

Shadows mixed with light spots inside handling facilities

Increase the animals

fear tension

Safety with Livestock

About a quarter of all accidents on the farm are livestock related
1/3 result in serious injury
lengthy hospital stay or death

Serious accidents occur when:

crushing against walls and fittings in buildings
particularly by bulls or cows at calving time

loading animals onto trailers or releasing trapped animals goring

bulls in fields

Farm injuries sustained by livestock

1991 Alabama: A study of agricultural injuries found farm animals, mostly cattle, responsible for 13% of the farm injuries among a sample of 1000 farm operators 1983-1997 Wisconsin:

134 people required hospitalization from farm animal related injuries

Fall from a horse Kicked by a cow Bovine assault Equine assault Kicked by a horse Animal-drawn vehicle 33% 21% 19% 13% 8% 6%

Cattle Psychology
How cattle sense and reacts to the world around them

1. Sense of sight 2. Sense of hearing 3. Sense of smell 4. Herd instinct 5. Maternal instinct

1. Sense of Sight
Cattle have a wide angle view and a narrow blind spot behind them
everything appears bent and distorted
Example: a fence post that look straight to us, appears curved to cattle

Cattle will balk when approaching bright sunlight or shadows

a shadow on the ground, appears like a big hole

Cattle dont like quick movements

hands clapping, arms waving to move cattle tarp blowing in the wind
spook the animals

2. Sense of Hearing
Noise is very stressful to cattle
cattle are disturbed by loud, abrupt noises new to them
gate slamming, telephone ring, crack of a whip, bleeding of a hydraulic line

3. Sense of Smell
Cattle have an excellent sense of smell, scent will often be the dominant factor affecting cattle behavior
a cow will sense she is being separated from her calf
this will often cause her to become stressed and dangerous

odors provide sexual communication between cows and bulls

4. Herd Instinct
Cattle are social animals
feel comfortable and safe in a group
from predators and pests

isolated from the rest of the herd

a single animal will become stressed and easily upset

Two characteristics about cattle herd instinct:

follow the leader
the leader is almost always the first member of the group

herd social order

one animal asserts dominance over a weaker member when grazing, dominant cattle are usually in the middle of the group at the feeder, dominant cattle will get at the food by pushing subordinate cattle away

5. Maternal Instinct
Maternal instinct in cattle is very strong
a cow will be wary of people, specially strangers will be protective of her young
most protective during the first two weeks after the calf is born

Restrain the cow to avoid injuries when handling the calf

assisting in delivery examining the newborn castrating ear tagging

Handling Cattle Safely

Flight zone: - A term used to describe an animals personal space
handler enters the flight zone - animal move away handler exits the flight zone - animal will stop If the flight zone is penetrated too deeply, the animal will often panic

Blind spot: - Is the area where the handler cannot be seen as they approach the animal
entering an animals flight zone by its blind spot agitates the animal and causes to kick

Understand the concept of flight zone and point of balance

Animals will move more easily reduce stress - prevents injuries to: * animals and handlers
Move Forward:
stand in the dark shaded area marked in the flight zone diagram

Move Backwards:
stand in front of the point of balance marked in the diagram

Using Flight Zone and Point of Balance concepts

Moving Cattle Forward
The handler should approach the animal from behind the point of balance When entering the animals flight zone, the animal will look at the handler and will begin to move

The handler must not penetrate the animals zone too deep
The handler must always be alert to the animals reaction to his or her presence Once a cow begins to move, the handler can keep it moving straight ahead by entering and exiting the flight zone To stop the animals forward progress, the handler should move out of its flight zone

Using Flight Zone and Point of Balance concepts

(continued)

Moving Cattle Backward

The handler should place himself or herself in front of the animals point of balance
Careful not to cut across the flight zone
if the animals personal space is invaded too deeply, it will be spooked and run or turn back

Follow the previous instructions

Things to keep in mind when handling cattle

Avoid approaching cattle from behind Do not use quick movements
Cattle is very sensitive to abrupt movements and sounds

Do not move cattle by whooping, hollering, or screaming

Better handle them deliberately, confidently and calmly
getting them excited makes the job more difficult.

Very little of noise is needed to move cattle

Rustle a stick with plastic strips attached
enough to guide the animals

Working cattle in groups, is easier than managing them alone

Separate a cow from the calf before handling the calf

Hazards in Animal Housing

Air Pollutants in Animal Housing
Dust and Other Aerosols Ammonia Hydrogen Sulfide Other Gases

Odors
Air Quality Control and Management

Mechanical Hazards Electrical Hazards Noise Fire Children in Buildings Safety Signs

Air Pollutants in Animal Housing

Dust and Other Aerosols
Dust found in animal housing is primarily composed of: Feed components Dry fecal material Dander (hair and skin cells) Molds Pollen Grains Insect parts Mineral ash
some components may cause allergic responses an important air quality problem in poultry and livestock housing

Dust Control
Proper waste management and ventilation
Minimize poor indoor quality - animals and workers
workers are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when entering these facilities
particularly mask or respirators

Several methods of reducing dust are under evaluation

Wet , electrostatic, cyclonic and dry dust filters Oil sprays
spraying vegetable oil
bind up the dust particles and keep them out of suspension

Oil Sprinkling
Oil concentration in the oil-water mixture - should be > 20% Droplet sizes should be > 150 m (microns) to achieve rapid deposition of droplets on available surface Things to considered when choosing a vegetable oil (VO)
It is not necessary to use refined VO
oil should be free of particles

VO with strong odor are not suitable

potential effect of the oil affects animal behavior

Use VO with low iodine value

in respect to the risk of self-ignition

Dust binding effect of oil remains for many days

consider designing spraying strategies accordingly

Results of Oil Sprinkling

Several methods for reduction of aerial dust in pig houses have been examined over the last 20 years
To date the most promising method appears to be Oil Sprinkling

Sprinkling undiluted Canola Oil in a grower-finisher room

Reduced dust by 79%
Respirable dust particles - reduced by 73% Inhalable dust particles - reduced by 80%

Ammonia ( NH3 )
Ammonia is produced by bacterial action on urine and feces during decomposition
Comes off of the floors and from the manure pits Levels in animal buildings can be sufficiently high to affect human health

Ammonia control
Frequent removal of waste Management of indoor moisture Adequate ventilation
ventilation dilutes ammonia concentration and tends to dry floors and litter
reduces the rate of ammonia release

Hydrogen Sulfide ( HS )
Is an acutely toxic gas produced by the decomposition of animal manure
Often released into the air when liquid manure is agitated Its odor is not an indication of its concentration Above 6 ppm the odor increases as concentration also increases

The OSHA limits exposure to 10 ppm for an 8 hour, 5 day exposure

At levels above 50 ppm human evacuation is recommended Levels above 500 ppm cause unconsciousness and death Levels increase to 1500 ppm when swine pit manure is agitated

Hydrogen Sulfide ( HS )
(continued)

Workers should wear a self contained respirator if exposure to HS is expected Hazards created during manure agitation can be controlled by:
Providing ventilation during manure pumping Removing the manure
Preferable when
people and animals are absent from the building

Other Gases
Methane ( CH4 )
A natural product of manure decomposition
nontoxic

High concentrations produces

dizziness and even asphyxiation

Flammability of methane: Main Safety Concern

CH4 can be explosive at concentrations over 50,000 ppm valuable as an energy source

NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) recommended Daily exposure
1,000 ppm per 8 hour work period

Control:
proper ventilation generally dissipates methane from animal housings

Carbon Dioxide ( CO2 )

Produced by manure decomposition and animal respiration
nontoxic gas

High concentrations can cause

asphyxiation by reducing available oxygen

Concentrations in well ventilated buildings can range

1,000 ppm during summer 10,000 ppm during winter

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) permissible exposure level for CO2
10,000 and 30,000 ppm respectively per 8 hour and 15 minutes work period

Control
proper ventilation CO2 control is important in cold climates

Carbon Monoxide ( CO )
Product of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons
its colorless, odorless, and has nearly the same density as air

CO hazards in animal production operations caused by

combustion heaters malfunction operational heaters or internal combustion engines
without venting the combustion products outdoors

Winter: Most dangerous period

buildings are usually closed and ventilation rates are at its lowest

OSHA and NIOSH recommended threshold limit values

40mg/m3 or 35 ppm for an 8 hour work period

Control
combustion heaters and engines should always be vented to the outside

Odors
Air Quality Control and Management
Unpleasant odors have long been associated with domestic animal production
Installation and operation of a well-designed ventilation system is the producers best assurance of adequate indoor air quality
provides thorough air mixing eliminates dead spaces having stagnant air moves fresh air through the housing facility

Ventilation vents should open enough to provide high velocity jets to ensure thorough air mixing
Summer months
evaporative cooling is needed using misting systems to reduce the indoor air temperature

Winter months
supplemental mixing fans are needed because ventilation rates are reduced to a minimum

Air Quality Control and Management

(continued)

Prevention and early detection of toxic gas levels reduces health risks
installs CO detectors near combustion heaters the heater should be vented to the outside clean the heater thoroughly at the beginning of each heating season while in use, monitor the heaters daily to ensure that they burn efficiently and produce minimal levels of CO

Use extreme caution during manure removal

manure slurries will release hydrogen sulfide: rotten eggs cause for concern
HS can quickly inure the sense of smell as concentrations increase and become deadly

Control dusts
during cold weather, use feed additives (oil, fat, and lecithin) to help reduce dust emission from feed meals.

Mechanical Hazards
Fans
unguarded fans are dangerous, must have guards or screens so people cannot touch any moving parts

Winches
workers operating winches must be careful to avoid releasing the winch before the object is fully raised or lowered accidentally striking a winch under tension can cause it to release

Augers
must be properly guarded before any maintenance the equipment must be unplugged, or switch off at the control and breaker box

Steel Cables
worn or frayed could produce gashes and puncture wounds on hands
wear a sturdy pair of work gloves to prevent these wounds

Housing Floors
can be slippery and obstructed by equipment and railings
use a good pair of work boots to prevent falls and foot injuries

Electrical Hazards
Due to faulty electrical wiring
Risk of shock Potential for fire Destruction of good equipment
motors and pumps

Use wiring practices that protects electrical cable and system components
from abuse by livestock and rodents avoid exposure to tractors and feeding equipment

Appropriate design and reliable installation of electrical systems are crucial to

use electricity efficiently provide a safe environment for workers and animals minimize the potential for fire loss

Noise
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB)
Soft whisper is about 30 dB while a 120 dB will cause pain OSHA limits noise exposure to ~ 90 dB over an 8 hour shift Tractors and other farm machinery cause the most noise
in livestock housing - animals and machinery produce significant noise
swine buildings - at feeding time 115 dB can be reached

Fire
Factors that facilitate fire in livestock buildings
Poor management and maintenance, improper storage of combustibles, unsafe electrical wiring and lightning

Reduce fire incidents

Construct building with fire retardant materials Combustibles - discard from building those not frequently used
stored frequently used in a fire retardant compartment

Use wiring material and equipment meeting the requirements of the National Electric Code Electrical equipment should be installed according to manufacturers specifications All electrical equipment (fuses, junctions, and outlet boxes) should be kept free of grease and dust Place 10 lb ABC type fire extinguishers in all major buildings near exits

Children in Buildings
Animal production facilities are attractive playgrounds to children
Because of their complexity and potential for danger no one should treat animal production facilities as play areas lack of experience
makes children vulnerable to injuries in agricultural environments

young children visiting these facilities

should be supervised by trained production personnel

older children should be allowed to work in these environments

providing adequate training and with parental supervision

Safety Signs
Classified according to the use hazards and risk involved

The categories of hazard are:

Toxicity / Poison Explosive Potential Flammability Corrosive

The categories of risks are:

Danger Warning Caution

Farm Safety for Kids

Children must have a safe, easily supervised play area Hazards should be securely fenced and chemicals kept locked away Spare equipment should be stored securely Keep aggressive animals in childproof enclosures Dont allow child passengers Children should never help with:
hazardous machinery dangerous animals dangerous chemical

Personal Protective Equipment

Head Protection Eye Safety Respiratory Protection

Hearing Protection
Hand Protection Body Coverings Foot Protection First Aid

 Head Protection: Hard hats

from impacts or flying or falling objects
machinery maintenance construction (electrical work, demolition) horse back riding enclosed spaces with low ceilings chemical splashes

Eye Safety: Safety glasses, goggles, face shields

when handling or applying pesticides when working in dust, chaff or other flying particles when working around trees
particularly under low-hanging branches

 Hearing Protection: Earmuffs and Ear plugs

from noise produced from farm machinery and hogs
tractors, combines, augers, blowers, chainsaws hogs screaming at feeding time

Sound - measured in decibels (dB): 85 dB is the loudest sound workers should be exposed to for 8 hours or more.
Examples: Normal conversation John Deer Tractor 8560 tractor Massey Ferguson 750 combine Swine confinement at feeding 60 dB 76 dB 90 dB 133 dB

Reduce indoor noise levels

install low noise fans, rubber fan mounts use automated feeding systems reduce animal produced noise by feeding all the animals at once

Wear protective equipment

disposable foam or reusable rubber earplugs hearing protector earmuffs

 Respiratory Protection: Masks and Respirators

From dust and chaff Toxic gases and chemicals Welding fumes and low oxygen atmospheres Silos and animal confinements
large livestock waste and manure dust

Effective respiratory hazard control in animal housings

Use NIOSH approved respiratory protection appropriate for the situation Implement a respiratory control program that includes
evaluation of workers ability to work with the respirator regular training of personnel routinely monitoring air quality selection of appropriate NIOSH approved respirators respirator fit testing medical evaluations maintenance, cleaning and storage of respirators

Respirators used in animal housing facilities

Disposable dust / mist masks

Reusable dust / mist masks

Chemical cartridge respirators
which can include particulate matter prefilters

Powered air-purifying respirators

provide eye protection as well

Self-contain respirators
for dangerous gases - hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide

 Hand Protection: Gloves - fabric, leather, rubber,

cut resistant
fabric: protects from minor cuts and scrapes
inexpensive could be laundered to extend its life

leather: best choice for protection, cuts, scrapes, friction

inexpensive, breathable, tough and flexible treat with leather care product to extend its life

rubber: protects from the use of chemicals

choose the appropriate rubber glove for the task while still on, wash with warm water and soap, hang to dry

cut resistant: protects from handling glass and sharp objects

 Body Covering: Aprons (leather and rubber), chemical

resistant coveralls and chainsaw safety chaps
leather aprons: used when welding
protects from burns from splattering molten metals and slag

rubber aprons: needed when handling liquids or concentrated chemicals

protects the groin area from chemical splashes
this area absorbs chemical 10x faster than through the forearm

chemical resistant coveralls: excellent protection from pesticide dusts and mists chainsaw safety chaps: minimize the risk of cutting the legs
when handling square bales
reduce scratches and scrapes on the legs

 Foot Protection: Steel toe safety shoes and boots

(rubber or leather) with puncture resistant soles
from sharp objects dropped heavy objects heavy livestock stepping on your feet chemical hazards (steel toe safety rubber boots)

First Aid (FA) : all vehicles and buildings should have

a first aid kit
get appropriate first aid training in your FA kit include emergency numbers check FA kit content every three months label all FA kits include flares and flash light in your FA kit
emergency signals -extra help

What to pack in your first aid kit?

For more information visit the NASD (National Ag Safety Database)

(National Ag Safety Database) http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/menu/topic/firstaid.html

For emergencies call: Poison Control Center:
Winnipeg Regina Toll free Manitoba Environment: Spills

911
(204) 787-2591 (306) 766-4545 1-800-667-4545 944-4888

CSA approved safety equipment could be purchase at:

1. Implement dealerships 2. Farm supply stores 3. Safety supply companies 4. Pharmacies 5. Agriculture chemical dealers 6. Hardware stores
Check the yellow pages under

SAFETY EQUIP & CLOTHING