Cows at calving or when freshly calved pose an elevated threat to farmers, members of the family and employees, well being and security consultants in Northern Eire have warned, as spring calving gathers tempo.
Persons are required to work extra carefully with animals, usually in confined areas at a time when cows will be extra protecting of their new child offspring, the Division of Agriculture, Surroundings and Rural Affairs has warned.
See additionally: Farmers Weekly Podcast Ep 147: How protected is the UK’s crimson meat provide chain?
The Well being and Security Govt Northern Eire added that, on common, a minimum of one farmer is killed every year round calving time, whereas others are injured, usually severely.
The organisation urged farmers to cease and suppose earlier than they perform duties round cattle at calving to make sure they’re doing it within the most secure manner doable.
Amongst its recommendation it urged farmers to have an escape route deliberate and warned them by no means to show their again on cattle.
Well being and Security Govt Northern Eire calving security recommendation
By no means:
- Flip your again on a cow or heifer at calving time
- Put your self or a colleague in danger with cattle
- Stress or arouse cattle unnecessarily
- Beat or shout at cattle unnecessarily.
All the time:
- Look ahead to warning indicators of animal aggression, particularly in cows and heifers at calving time
- Work out an escape route or refuge upfront of dealing with livestock
- Watch out round cows and heifers with new child calves
- Keep in mind that cows on warmth are unpredictable
- The place doable, use a head gate to restrain a cow or heifer when checking the calf
- Attempt to have assist out there when calving a cow or heifer
- Attempt to hold cattle calm when working with them.
