Some effects of repeated handling and the use of a mask on stress responses in zebu cattle during restraint (2001)

Andrade, O., Orihuela, A., Solano, J. et al.

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of repeated handling and the use of a mask on the order of entry, temperament, cortisol concentration and heart and respiratory rates of Brahman cattle during restraint in a squeeze chute. .. Habituation to handling was reflected by a decrease in cortisol concentration as the study advanced(P<0.01). .. Respiratory rates decreased while the animals were restrained and this decrease tended to be greater (P=0.09) when the animals were wearing masks (3.06) than when not (2.2breaths/min). Heart rates also decreased and more so for masked animals (10.6beats/min) than for non-masked (5.0, P<0.01). Cortisol values tended to be higher (9.9 versus 4.7ng/ml, P=0.08) when animals were restrained without a mask. .. Finally, the order of entrance was found consistent over test-days, (P<0.01). It is concluded that Brahman cattle: (a) habituate to repeat handling in a squeeze chute; (b) are less emotionally reactive when their eyes were covered during this process and (c) establish a repeatable order of entrance to the chute.