ABSTRACT
Livestock are sensitive to harsh contrasts of light and dark around loading chutes, scales, and work areas. A single shadow that falls across a scale or loading chute can disrupt handling. Both cattle and sheep have a tendency to move towards the light. For both cattle and sheep the sides of the single-file chute, loading chute, and crowding pen should be solid. A coat flung over a chute fence or the shiny reflection off a car bumper will cause balking. Problems with balking tend to come in bunches; when one animal balks, the tendency to balk seems to spread to the next animals in line. The pattern of alternating light and dark has the same effect as building a cattle guard in the middle of the facility. Cattle and sheep are herd animals and, if isolated, can become agitated and stressed. The breed of the cattle or sheep can affect the way it reacts to handling.
