Ability to Turn Around |
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In all housing systems, cattle should be able to groom all parts of their body; prevention of this behavior can cause frustration.
Which animals to assess:
Every pen or group will be observed for the ability to turn around and comfortably lie down, following "METAL" criteria.
How to assess:
Cattle must be able to turn around freely. Evidence for this can be if cattle are seen facing both directions in the pen/hutch during an evaluation, or feces at both the front and rear of a pen/hutch; both indicate that the cattle had the ability to turn around at one point. Tethers may be used provided the tether is long enough that cattle can turn fully around and access shade/shelter when needed. Tiestalls do not meet this requirement, including if animals are kept in tiestalls for only part of the year.
Important considerations about moving freely are also covered in: stocking density, tiestall release and trainers, time budget, and exercise
Important considerations about moving freely are also covered in: stocking density, tiestall release and trainers, time budget, and exercise
Acceptable
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Unacceptable
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There is currently no repeatability test for this measure.