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Livestock Handling & Animal Safety

Guides that explain the hazards and point to OSHA, NIOSH and extension.

Low-Stress Cattle Handling BasicsLearn how calm, predictable handling lowers injury risk for people and cattle, and where to find hands-on training…
Understanding Flight Zones in LivestockWhat a flight zone is, how it affects the way cattle and other livestock move, and why standing in the right place…
Cattle Handling Facility Design for SafetyA plain guide to what safer cattle pens, alleys and working areas have in common, and who can review your layout…
Corral and Chute Safety InspectionsHow to build a simple routine for checking corrals, panels, gates and chutes so wear and damage are found before an…
Squeeze Chute Operation SafetyGeneral safety principles for using a squeeze chute, with a reminder to follow the manufacturer's manual and seek…
Headgate Safety and Cattle RestraintGeneral safety principles for headgates and cattle restraint, including why the manufacturer's manual and hands-on…
Loading Cattle SafelyGeneral guidance on planning and carrying out cattle loading with less stress and lower injury risk, and where to get…
Livestock Transport SafetyA practical overview of safer livestock hauling, from vehicle readiness to animal welfare, with pointers to the…
Bull Handling SafetyWhy bulls demand extra caution, how to plan around them, and where to get hands-on training before you work close to a…
Working With Bulls During Breeding SeasonHow breeding season changes bull behavior and what planning, facilities and crew habits help keep people safe at that…
Cow-Calf Handling SafetyWhy a protective mother cow raises handling risk, and how planning, facilities and calm habits keep people safe around…
Calving Assistance SafetyWhy helping a cow calve puts people at risk, and why you should plan with your veterinarian about when and how to step…
Lambing and Kidding SafetySafety for lambing and kidding season: physical risks, long hours and disease exposure, with advice to plan ahead with…
Sheep Handling and Restraint SafetyHow to handle and restrain sheep with less risk of strain, falls and bites, plus where to find training from extension…
Goat Handling SafetySafe habits for working with goats, from managing horns and bucks to reducing strain and disease risk, with guidance…
Swine Handling SafetyHow pigs behave, why sows and boars can be dangerous, and the habits and facilities that lower injury risk when moving…
Hog Confinement SafetyWhy hog buildings carry gas, ventilation, manure pit and fire hazards, and how to find official guidance and training…
Poultry House SafetyCommon hazards inside poultry houses, including dust, ammonia, slips and equipment, and where to find guidance on…
Working With Roosters SafelyWhy roosters can become aggressive, how spurs cause injuries, and calm habits that protect adults and children on…
Turkey and Waterfowl Handling SafetySafe handling of turkeys, ducks and geese: how size, wings and beaks cause injuries, and how hygiene and training…
Horse Handling Safety BasicsCore habits for working around horses safely: reading body language, approaching calmly, using sound equipment and…
Working Around Horses in StallsWhy stalls are tight, high-risk spaces and how to enter, work and leave safely with a calm approach, clear exits and…
Trailer Loading Horses SafelyPlanning, training and equipment checks that make horse loading calmer and less risky for horses and people, with…
Equine Restraint and Tie SafetyHow to tie and restrain horses with quick-release methods and sound equipment, and why you should learn from an…
Livestock Kicks and Crush InjuriesHow kicks and crush injuries happen around livestock, how prevention works in principle, and why to call 911 and seek…
Avoiding Crush Points Around AnimalsPlain-English guide to crush points around livestock: where they form in pens, gates and chutes, and habits that keep…
Animal Behavior Warning SignsLearn how to read livestock body language, from raised heads to pinned ears, so you can spot stress early and adjust…
Recognizing Sick or Aggressive AnimalsHow to notice when a farm animal is sick or acting aggressively, why the two are often linked, and when to call your…
Zoonotic Disease Prevention on FarmsWhat zoonotic diseases are, how they can pass from farm animals to people, and everyday habits that lower risk. Check…
Brucellosis and Livestock Handler SafetyWhat brucellosis is, how livestock handlers can be exposed, and the prevention basics. Follow CDC, your vet and your…
Handling Livestock in HeatHot weather changes how animals and people behave around livestock. Plan work, water, rest and shade, and know where…
Handling Livestock in ColdCold, ice and wind make livestock work harder and riskier. Plan footing, gear, breaks and animal care, and rely on…
Livestock Handling at NightNight chores raise risks from poor light and fatigue. Learn how to plan lighting, communication and routes for safer…
Working With Livestock AloneWorking with livestock alone adds risk because no one can help or call for help. Learn how to plan check-ins…
Children and Livestock SafetyHow to keep children safe around farm animals: supervision, age-appropriate tasks, safe spaces and where to check…
Visitors and Livestock SafetyGuests, school groups and customers can get hurt around farm animals. Plan routes, signs, supervision and hygiene…
Livestock Escape Response PlanA written plan for loose livestock keeps people and animals safer, on farm and on roads. Build roles, contacts and…
Predator Attack Response SafetyPredators can threaten livestock and people. Learn prevention basics and who to call, and rely on wildlife agencies…
Animal Bite First AidAnimal bites on farms need prompt medical advice. Learn why, who to call, and how to get hands-on first aid training…
Needle Stick and Injection Safety in Livestock WorkAccidental needle sticks can expose farm workers to drugs and germs. Learn prevention principles and who to ask about…
Livestock Vaccine Handling SafetyVaccines protect animals but can harm people through accidental injection or exposure. Learn storage, handling and…
Branding and Identification SafetyBranding and ID work involves heat, fire, restraint and sharp tools. Learn the hazards and plan with your vet and…
Castration and Dehorning SafetyThese procedures carry risks for animals and handlers. Learn the general safety principles and why your veterinarian…
Hoof Trimming SafetyHoof trimming puts people close to powerful legs and sharp tools. Learn restraint, body position and equipment habits…
Shearing SafetyShearing puts a person close to a restrained animal and a powerful, sharp tool. Learn the key hazards and who to ask…
Milking Safety and Machine HazardsMilking exposes workers to kicks, slips, noise, chemicals and repetitive strain. Learn the main hazards and where to…
Manure Handling Around LivestockManure work involves gases, slips, equipment and germs. Learn the hazards in general terms and where to find official…
Livestock Emergency Evacuation PlanningFire, flood and storms can force livestock evacuation. Build a written plan with routes, transport, contacts and…
Livestock Facility Maintenance for SafetyGates, floors, lighting and wiring wear out. A regular inspection routine keeps livestock facilities safer for people…
Annual Livestock Safety ReviewA yearly safety review turns lessons from close calls into changes. Use this guide to walk through animals…