LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT MANUAL For Introductory Courses By Bakhat Baidar Khan 1 , Muhammad Yaqoob 1 , Muhammad Riaz 1 , Arshad Iqbal 1 1 Department of Livestock Management, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. PART I APPROACHING ANIMALS ● When approaching an animal whether in a shed, stall or paddock, always speak to it before touching it. ● Approach the animal from the left side and handle from near the neck or possibly the head (beware of horns in case of cattle and buffalo). ● It is not desirable to carry a stick with you. In case, however, a stick is carried with, it preferably be kept hidden. ● Get some information about the animal from its attendant or owner (whether quiet or viscious); the animals usually are not quiet with the strangers. ● Treat strange animals with suspicion but do not let the animal suspect that you are afraid of it. ● The animal should have a head-collar or a halter on; if required, use two ropes on the head-collar and tie one to each pillar ring (more so in case of stallion and bull). ● Never handle the hind quarters or hind legs without having an animal’s head held and a foreleg lifted/restrained. ● Take hold of the fore-lock (in horse), ear or nose until a halter has been put on. Do not grasp nose tightly to obstruct breathing. ● It is important never to make a sudden snatch at a head-collar which alarms the animals and may make it suspicious on future occasions. ● Young animals are inquisitive and may approach a person of their own accord. 1