Case study. Trainings on low stress cattle handling. Perception and impact on Spanish hoof trimmers

Objectives

Primary objective is to stablish a learning methodology for improving animal welfare through proper cattle handling at the time of trimming. The objective of this poster is to evaluate the perception and impact of Low Stress Cattle Handling training on the daily work of the Spanish hoof trimmers.

Materials and methods

With the objective of improving animal welfare, in 2020 we started a training plan focused in low stress cattle handling. Due COVID situation we combined on-line trainings with face-to-face meetings. We worked at 3 levels.

First level was the Spanish and Portuguese Hoof Trimmer Association (APPB). Under the APPB umbrella, different actions were driven. These training sessions started with an online training session (A. Gonzalez, November 2020) and continued by an on-farm training (Summer Trimming School, September 2021). In order to promote low stress cattle handling among APPB members, a virtual contest to select the best cattle handler was organized. Members sent videos and best one was selected by all the members. This competition has been organized for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). [...]