Animal welfare: Minimise adverse impacts with low-stress stock handling

Low-stress stock handling is an important element of the animal welfare module of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program and, when done correctly, stands to benefit both livestock and their handlers.

LPA-accredited producers are required to manage livestock in accordance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. This helps to ensure animals are well cared for and supports Australia’s ability to continue to access competitive domestic and international markets.

While livestock and handler health and welfare are prime concerns, low-stress stock handling can also improve animal performance and meat quality.

Read this FutureBeef guidance to learn more about the importance of low-stress stock handling and how to apply it successfully.

Top five tips for low-stress handling

1. Understand animal behaviour: Take the time to learn about the natural behaviours and instincts of the livestock you are working with. Recognise signs of stress, fear, or aggression, and use this knowledge to anticipate and prevent potential problems.
2. Use calm and consistent movements: Approach animals slowly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. Consistent, calm movements help keep animals relaxed and reduce the risk of provoking an aggressive response.
3. Maintain proper equipment and facilities: Ensure that all handling equipment, such as gates, crushes, yards, and loading ramps, are in good condition and designed to facilitate low-stress handling. Regularly inspect and maintain facilities to prevent injuries.
4. Work as a team: When handling large or potentially dangerous animals, always work with at least one other person. Clear communication and coordinated efforts can significantly reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that all handlers are aware of the animals’ movements and behaviours.
5. Provide regular training and refresher courses: Continually educate yourself and your team on the latest livestock handling techniques and research. Regular training sessions and refresher courses help to keep skills sharp and ensure that everyone is up to date on the safest methods for working with livestock.

Source: Farmsafe Australia

Animal Welfare Management Plans
Completing and uploading an Animal Welfare Management Plan is a key requirement for LPA accreditation. Doing so demonstrates that on-farm practices meet the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.

It also provides another opportunity for producers to learn more about meeting the requirements of these standards and guidelines. It also provides even greater confidence to both domestic and international customers about animal welfare management on farm in Australia.

Once completed, the AWMP can be downloaded as a PDF and stored in the producer’s LPA account for easy access and updating.

Producers can create their AWMP at any time through their LPA account. The AWMP tool helps simplify this process. Watch this video and learn how to complete your AWMP online.

More information

Learn more about LPA Animal Welfare requirements by taking the online learning module. Animal Welfare - The Toolbox - MLA eLearning

Read about the LPA Animal Welfare Management Plan.

Use this template to assist you in drafting your Animal Welfare Management Plan. animal-welfare-management-plan-template-editable-pdf

If you have any questions about completing your LPA Animal Welfare Management Plan, please email lpa@integritysystems.com.au.

Alternatively, you can speak with the Customer Service team on 1800 683 111, Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm (AEST) or on weekends between 9am and 5pm (AEST). You can also access the Chatbot seven days a week via our website or from your myMLA and LPA account pages.