Merck Animal Health released an educational video about cattle shipping and transportation as part of its CreatingConnections™ program – designed to help producers better understand cattle behavior and use that knowledge to help reduce stress, improve reproduction and foster stronger immune responses. The first video in the series presents a practical look at low-stress handling techniques that capitalize on beef cattle’s natural behaviors. It also illustrates how to move cattle calmly from the feedyard pens, through the chute, onto the trailer and unloading at the packing plant – utilizing a philosophy based on communication with the animals.

“The CreatingConnections program and this video in particular are designed to expand the understanding of how human and cattle interactions affect animal health and well-being,” said Paulo Loureiro, D.V.M., Merck Animal Health. “Through calm, confident movements, a handler creates a positive experience for the cattle, which builds trust. As a result, the cattle are easier to handle, diagnose and manage, which makes interactions safer for the animal and the handler.”