When beef producers are asked why they do not perform procedures like pregnancy checking their cows, the number one reason is a lack of adequate facilities. Beef prices are currently at record highs, and this would be an ideal time to upgrade your handling facilities. I have been a beef cattle veterinarian for 41 years and I have yet to have a producer say, “I wish I would have not spent the money to have good cattle handling facility.” What I have heard hundreds of times is, “This cattle handling system is so much better than my old one. Why didn’t I invest in better facilities much earlier?”

Handling facilities do not have to be fancy or expensive to be functional. I strongly recommend building a “Bud Box.” Go to YouTube.com and type in “Bud Williams Explains Using the Bud Box” for a great video that explains the concept. The first seven-eight minutes explain the system very well. The Bud Box is much less costly than a tub and is far superior according to nearly everyone that has used both systems.

Safe and low-stress handling of beef cattle relies on a combination of animal behavior understanding, proper facilities, and handler patience. Here are key practices to minimize stress and ensure safety:

Understand cattle behavior:

- Cattle are prey animals, so they naturally respond to pressure and movement in specific ways. Use this to your advantage by staying within their “flight zone” (an animal’s personal space) to direct movement without causing panic. Slow, calm movements and remaining within the animal’s line of sight help cattle feel less threatened.

- Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and aggressive actions, which can trigger a “fight-or-flight” response.

- Cattle prefer zero noise when being worked. If you are moving cattle and they balk (usually due to poor design of the facility), making noise makes them want to turn their head to look at you. This is the opposite of what you want if you are asking them to move forward. Again, no noise, no shouting, not talking is best.

Use proper facility design:

- Well-designed facilities reduce stress by guiding cattle through holding areas alleyways, and chutes in ways that feel natural to them. Have sides open so they can see and use a Bud Box to fill the alleyway.

- The ideal handling system has three areas: the resting, ready and working areas. I frequently see no resting area so every animal in the herd is “stirred up” every time we need more cattle to fill the alleyway. If you have a herd of 40 cows, I suggest putting a gate in the ready area, so you have about 20-30 cows in the resting area and only 10-20 in the ready area.

- Non-slip flooring is crucial to prevent injuries and falls, especially in high-traffic areas.

Talk to your herd health veterinarian about brands of equipment they recommend. There are some cheap options that become very costly due to repair and replacement cost. You likely do not need the most expensive equipment, but be sure the money you spend in handling equipment is a great investment.

Follow low-stress handling techniques:

- Low-stress handling methods often involve moving in slow, predictable ways. Techniques promoted by experts like Temple Grandin and Bud Williams suggest using the “point of balance” at the animal’s shoulder to direct movement: moving behind the point of balance encourages forward movement, while moving in front causes them to stop or back up.

- Consistency in handling routines builds cattle trust. Repeated exposure to gentle handling leads to less resistance and lower stress during future interactions.

- A technique that works very well is to allow cattle to make a “practice run” through the handing facilities. Wire the entire chute system open and bring the cattle into the holding area. Walk away and let them find their way out. This works especially well for young calves.

Limit overcrowding and handle in small batches:

- Crowding increases stress and risk of injury. Working with smaller batches can keep cattle calmer and allow for better control. Larger groups tend to be more difficult to manage and may escalate stress in confined spaces. If you have a tub, only fill it half full. Overfilling is the most common problem I see when using a tub.

Training for handlers:

- Safe cattle handling requires training. Handlers should be trained in animal behavior, handling techniques, and facility safety measures. Trained handlers are more likely to respond appropriately to cattle cues and avoid common stress triggers. Many of the things we were taught years ago are wrong. Watch videos on low-stress cattle handling for the most up-to-date techniques.

Join the hundreds (more likely thousands) of beef producers that agree that investing in good handing equipment is one of the best investments they have ever made. If an upgraded facility allows you to pregnancy check your cows to find and market the open ones, you may have nearly paid for the entire system with just a couple of cull cows.