Personal Safety

Raising beef cattle can have a serious impact on producers’ health and safety, as well as an impact on the environment. Handling methods, together with site design, environmental factors, and cattle diseases, can all increase the chances of injuries or other safety risks.

On this page, you’ll find best practices on safe cattle handling, monitoring toxic gas levels, and improving biosecurity.

Safe Beef Cattle Handling

Mastering the basics of safe cattle handling can reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. When handling beef cows, producers need to know how to keep the herd calm, identify danger signs, and understand the flight zone of cattle.

Overexcited animals can be dangerous and hard to work with, so handling them in a calm, confident way is crucial. When cattle are upset, they tend to paw the ground and bellow loudly. Other danger signs can be distinguished by observing the cow’s head and tail positions.

Note that many injuries happen in handling facilities with poor design, highly agitated cattle due to restricted space, and/or inexperienced handlers. Setting up and maintaining proper cow handling systems should be a top priority for beef producers.

Cattle Flight Zone

The flight zone, or flight distance, is the circle of safety surrounding an animal. Entering the cattle's flight zone will make them move. Moving outside the zone will make them turn to look at you. Generally speaking, the closer you get, the faster the cow will move.

The space of the flight zone depends on how tame the cattle are. An excited cow, for instance, will have a larger zone.

Producers must be aware of cattle’s ‘blind spot’, as well. While cows have almost 360-degree vision, they cannot see directly behind them. When approaching cattle, it’s best to avoid their blind spots as this can spook them and lead to an accident.

Gas Monitoring and Personal Safety

While storing cow manure is a great solution for many beef enterprises, it’s important to know that it also increases the exposure to harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide.

Toxic gases in and around manure storage facilities can cause severe respiratory problems. This is why beef producers are recommended to use gas monitoring – along with protective gear and proper area ventilation – when working around dangerous manure gases.

Producers can choose from a number of personal gas monitors, based on their needs. The monitors work by identifying hazardous environments and warning the user when it’s time to leave the area.

Beef Cattle Farm Biosecurity

Biosecurity involves a complex system of management practices aimed at reducing the introduction and spread of diseases. Practices such as cattle management, manure handling, feed management, and facility maintenance can help protect the health of beef cattle.

Implementing an effective biosecurity program involves three main steps – risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. Following these steps can help producers identify biosecurity concerns, develop a manageable plan, and effectively communicate changes to personnel. A biosecurity plan can also protect handlers and visitors from illnesses, such as E. coli infections and Salmonella.

Penn State Extension provides various resources on biosecurity plans, cattle handling, and on-farm safety. If you are new to cattle-raising, have a look at our Beef Production and Management online course.