TCFA Feedyard Technician Certification Practice Test

What might happen if cattle do not see a handler moving around them?

1. They will run away

2. They may become skittish

3. They may not react quickly

4. They will gather closer

The correct answer is: They may not react quickly

The correct response emphasizes the behavior of cattle in the absence of a handler's movement. Cattle are social animals that rely on their environment and the presence of handlers to gauge safety and security. When they do not see a handler moving around them, they may not react quickly to changes in their environment. This is because they often use the presence of a handler as a cue for when to be alert or to trigger their flight response. In situations where there is no visible handler, cattle may remain in a more relaxed state, leading to slower reactions to potential stressors. Their instinct might be to stay close to familiar settings or other cattle, rather than being vigilant and ready to flee. Therefore, the lack of movement from a handler can create a sense of calmness that can result in delayed reactions to other stimuli, which aligns with the behavior of cattle in such circumstances.