Ever since then, different ideas for handling them have developed.

Cattle behaviour, the effect of handling on meat quality, emphasis on food safety, carcase contamination and animal welfare are now driving yard design and cattle handlers’ techniques.

Recently ideas about handling cattle to reduce stress on both the cattle and the handler have emerged.

These techniques can challenge traditional handlers, both cattle producers and industry advisers.

John Wayne and the Hollywood cowboy movies of last century have a lot to answer for with attitudes to handling cattle.

Cattlemen learnt to dominate the cattle under their care and rough riding and handling were the norm.

The image of the cattleman grew from American cattle camps, where roping cattle, smoking, big hats and horses were all part of the culture.

New ideas in cattle handling continue to develop. These ideas are based around natural cattle behaviour, but attempt to move away from the man dominating beast attitude.

Promoters of ‘low stress stock handling’ aim to have handlers consider the situation from the animals’ point of view.

If cattle are to be moved somewhere, there should be no barriers to them wanting to move there. Barriers can be incorrect yard design or yard use, or the handlers themselves.

Cattle can be allowed to move in a particular way or direction as required. They should not be forced into anything but rather want to go where the handlers wants them to go.

Creating areas of less pressure, where cattle feel safer will encourage them to move in that direction.

The position of the handler is again what creates this movement.

Understanding herd behaviour also helps.

Yard design has greatly improved in the past 40 years.

New cattle yards now incorporate circular yards and curved races that mimic natural behaviour.

Any new method of handling, be it in the way yards are designed or the way cattle are moved requires the right attitude.

Handlers need a positive attitude to their stock, an understanding of animal behaviour and the patience and time to allow cattle to move.