Animal handling is a part of all animal production systems and can have a large effect on the welfare of the animals. Among production systems there are various methods of handling animals as well as purpose. This review discusses some of the features of animal handling and handling systems. The goal of handling, facilities and equipment used as well as personnel all make a difference in the behaviour of the animal during handling and the effectiveness of the handling. Benefits of any handling procedure must be weighed against its costs. Economic costs include labour, facilities, equipment and productivity losses. There is also the ethical component of handling related to the stressfulness of the procedure. Producers should be willing to make changes in order to reduce stressfulness.
Understanding the behaviour of the animals plays a major role in successful animal handling. Being aware of signals is part of the process of turning stockmanship from an art into a science. One of the greatest challenges is to avoid fearful reactions, as it is much harder to calm an animal once it has been startled. Handling is an important part of any livestock operation. The cost of poor handling remains unknown as there is little work directed to this topic. Understanding the reaction of animals to their surroundings is an important step in improving handling facilities. Efforts in this area will yield economic rewards as well as improve the welfare of the animals.