ABSTRACT
Livestock are sensitive to harsh contrasts of light and dark around loading chutes, scales, and work areas. All species of livestock will follow the leader and the instinct is strong in both cattle and sheep. To prevent livestock from piling up against the back gate in the crowding pen, the floor of the pen must be level. Livestock move more easily uphill than down, but they move most easily on a flat surface. A single shadow that falls across a scale or loading chute can disrupt handling. The lead animal will often balk and refuse to cross the shadow. Cattle and sheep in a handling facility should be able to see only one pathway of escape—this is extremely important. The breed of the cattle or sheep can affect the way it reacts to handling. Cattle with Brahman blood are more excitable and may be harder to handle than the English breeds.
