May 7: The Learning Hub will be unavailable for one hour from 5pm today due to maintenance updates.

Jilly Greed with some of her beef cattle in Devon.

Safe livestock handling

Safe livestock handling

Safe and effective livestock handling starts with understanding animal behaviour. As Bud Williams once said, "The animal is never wrong. If the animal is doing something you don't want, it's because of something you're doing.”

Jilly Greed with some of her beef cattle in Devon.
Alan and Linda Whalley handling sheep at Baron's Fold Farm, Lancashire.

Aims

By the end of this course, you should understand:

  • Why good livestock handling matters
  • The meaning behind livestock behaviour
  • How to work with natural behaviour
  • Safe handling practices and facilities
  • The key signs of stress or danger in livestock

This course includes resources and guidance from leading organisations, including:

Humane Slaughter Association logo
University of Minnesota Extension logo.

Overview

In this course, you'll learn basic principles of safe livestock handling and discover how working with an animal's natural behaviour can reduce stress, improve animal welfare and create a safer working environment for everyone. You'll explore the factors that influence livestock behaviour, recognise situations that increase risk and learn practical techniques for handling animals calmly and confidently.

Whether you're new to farming or looking to build your confidence, this course will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to handle livestock safely in everyday farm situations. 

What will I achieve?
2 CPD points
How long will it take?
55 minutes
Pigs enjoying the morning air.
This module will provide you with basic knowledge to begin developing the practical skills and confidence needed to move livestock safely.

How this relates to the Capability Framework

The learning objectives in this online training relate to the capabilities inside the Livestock and Health and safety areas of our Capability Framework.

Thanks to our partner organisations

Our Essential Skills learning has been made in collaboration with:
Adrow logo.
Agricultural Business Training logo.
Agricultural Industries Confederation logo
Agricultural Universities Council
AHDB logo.
Basis registration logo
British Growers Association logo.
British Pest Control Association.
Cedar Associates logo.
Defra logo
Environment Agency
Farm Safety Foundation logo.
Farming Community Network logo.
Forestry Commission logo
Fresh Produce Training & Development logo.
Harper Adams University logo.
Health & Safety Executive logo.
Livestockwise logo.
National Farmers Union logo.
Natural England logo.
The Succession Alliance.
UK Agri-Tech Centre logo.
Vicky Anderson Training logo.