Sheep are prey animals that experience significant stress during handling. Low-stress handling techniques reduce fear responses and improve both welfare and productivity.
Sheep welfare during handling is significantly influenced by human behavior and facility design. Animals that are chased, struck, or shouted at show measurable physiological stress responses that persist long after the handling event. Research by Temple Grandin and others shows that curved races, solid sides, and calm, patient movement substantially reduce sheep stress. Training farm workers in low-stress handling techniques is among the highest-return welfare interventions available to sheep producers.