Handler Positions for emptying a pen and sorting at a gate.
The handler should control the movement of cattle through a gate. DO NOT let cattle run wildly through a gate. They need to learn that you control their movements. When cattle are being sorted out through a gate, stare and look at the ones you want to hold back and turn your eyes away from the animals you want to move through the gate.
T-Square Pattern for Moving a Group out of a Large Pen
Step 1: Moving a group of cattle towards a gate in a large feedlot pen, paddock or pasture. The handlers movements, back and forth behind the group, should be at a 90′ (right) angle to the direction of the desired movement. The handlers movements are perpendicular to the animals movements. Imagine that you are moving back and forth on the cross bar of a giant T-suare.
Work on the edge of the flight zone. Use the principle of pressure and release. When the cattle start moving, back off and reduce pressure on their collective flight zone. Increase pressure when they slow down. Wild running is prevented by using pressure and release.
Moving a Group out of a Large Pen Using the T-Square Movement Pattern
Step 2: As the group of cattle approaches the gate, the handler must shift his position to head the cattle out of the gate. Remember, calm cattle are easier to handle. All movements are done at a walk and handlers shoul be silent with NO yelling or whistling.
If cattle become excited it takes 15 to 30 minutes for them to calm down.
Correct Method for Moving a Group Out of a Large Pen or Small Pasture With Two Handlers
Step 1: Both handlers in the rear in a straight line. T-square position moving the animals toward the gate.p>Step 2: When the animals start out the gate, handler A moves near the gate to control animal movement out the gate. A handler near the gate can control cattle flow through the gate. This prevents damage to fences
Wrong Method for Moving a Group Out of a Large Pen or Small Pasture With Two Handlers
This technique is wrong because the animals receive conflicting signals from two different handlers.
