Restraint of Cattle for Veterinary Procedures

Overview

• Restraint is necessary for examination, treatment, and medical or surgical procedures in cattle.
• Methods include:
  • Chemical sedation
  • Trapping in crushes or stalls
  • Haltering
  • Nosing or nose tongs
  • Gate trapping
  • Casting
  • Kick bars
  • Lifting the tail
• Methods are often combined based on the degree of control required and cattle temperament.

Cattle Behavior

• Dairy cattle are more amenable to restraint due to regular human contact.
• Beef cattle or those less accustomed to human interaction may be more challenging to restrain.

Cattle Crush

• Considered the safest and most effective method.
• Process:
  1. Guide the animal into the crush.
  2. Close the rear gate or place a bar behind the animal.
  3. Close the yoke or neck brace around the head.
  4. Familiarize with the yoke operation before use.
• Safety:
  • Avoid inserting arms between the animal and crush bars.
  • Some cattle may struggle; precautions are necessary to prevent injuries.

Gate Trapping

• Useful for minor procedures.
• Allows single-handed halter application by experienced handlers.
• Method involves directing the animal into a corner and swinging a gate behind them.

Haltering

• Requires containment (e.g., gate trapping or crush) for application.
• Steps for application:
  • Approach from behind the shoulder.
  • Place halter behind ears and horns.
  • Tighten to prevent slipping.
  • Tie using a quick-release knot.

Nosing

• Additional restraint method usually combined with a halter or crush.
• Involves grasping the nostrils with thumb and fingers.
• Use of nose tongs can enhance control.

Lifting the Tail

• Helps prevent kicking.
• Grasp and lift tail straight upwards without twisting.

Kick Bars

• Used mainly on dairy cows in milking parlors to limit kicking.
• Adjustment of length required for application.

Casting

• Used when sedation is not an option.
• Ropes are used in a methodical way to cause the animal to lie down safely.

Safety Considerations

• Always prioritize the safety of both handlers and animals.
• Use appropriate methods for the situation and animal temperament.