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Training sheep as 'leaders' in abattoirs and farm sheep yards
Bremner KJ, Braggins JB, Kilgour R
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 40, pp 111-116, Jan 1980
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 40, pp 111-116, Jan 1980
Article class: Conference Presentation
Subject Terms: Animal handling, Animal production/wastage, Behaviour, Meat, Slaughter
Animal Type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Publisher: New Zealand Society of Animal ProductionAbstract
Eighteen potential leaders were selected from 32 sheep after an initial taming period. Training these animals involved four basic stages: (1) taming, (2) learning basic tasks, (3) learning specific skills, (4) adjustments to the final environment. Using operant principles of conditioning, the sheep were taught to walk through yards, push open gates and lead mobs. Further refinements included acceptance of leash restraint and gate unlatching. Guidelines are provided for farmers and stock handlers who wish to train their own leader sheep.The whole of the literary matter of the Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production is copyright New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Downloading this article signifies agreement with the terms and conditions of electronic access.