How livestock are handled during routine procedures significantly affects their welfare and stress levels. Low-stress handling techniques reduce fear and improve both welfare and productivity.
Livestock handling is a welfare intervention opportunity that occurs multiple times in every animal's life. Poor handling creates fear and pain; good handling is low-stress and may even provide positive experiences through calm human interaction. The science of low-stress handling, pioneered by Temple Grandin and others, shows that understanding animal behavior and perception allows handlers to work with rather than against animal instincts. Livestock handled calmly have measurably better welfare and better production outcomes — these goals are not in conflict. The limiting factor is stockperson training and attitude, which varies enormously and is not adequately addressed by most farm welfare certification schemes.