One of the best experts on the low stress cattle handling techniques first formulated by Bud Williams is veterinarian Lynn Locatelli. She was trained under Temple Grandin, who is a world-renowned cattle handler, author, and professor at Colorado State. Lynn emphasizes that all human contact shapes the animals’ behavior, that efficiency is desirable over speed, and that predators (humans) must override their instincts for successful interaction with prey animals (cattle).
Dr. Locatelli recently said “All human contact shapes cattle behavior, for better or worse, whether it’s intentional or not.” She encourages training cattle at the earliest opportunity by frequently riding or walking among cows and their new calves to encourage them to “pair up” strengthening the cow-calf bond and helping calves learn to move in response to pressure. She calls the first four days of arrival at a new location critical to dissipating distress and establishing the animals comfort level in their new home. “Like any prey animal, cattle often conceal weaknesses like lameness or other health issues. They have to trust their handlers before they let it show.”
Dr. Lynn Locatelli graduated from UC Davis in 1994 and currently bases her practice out of Benkelman, Nebraska with her partner Dr. Tom Noffsinger at the Twin Forks Veterinary Clinic. She concentrates her efforts on Low Stress Cattle Handling education, consultation and training, end-point management of feedlot cattle and equine practice. Dr. Locatelli is a member of the AVC, AVMA, and AAEP and active with Cattlexpressions.
If you ever get a chance to hear her at a clinic or event I highly encourage you to do so.