New research to boost safety in cattle handling at UNL

By Scout Nelson

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduate student Morgan Marquardt is taking steps to transform cattle handling practices.

Concerned with the traditional metrics of assessing handlers based on years of experience, Marquardt, with her advisor Ruth Woiwode, is developing a skill assessment tool to provide a more accurate reflection of a handler's abilities.

This research addresses a crucial industry need for enhanced safety and animal welfare. The proposed tool will objectively measure various skills that contribute to effective cattle handling, moving beyond the simplistic metric of time on the job.

Marquardt argues that relying solely on experience can be misleading and potentially hazardous.

Her focus is on creating a safer working environment for cattle handlers and improving the care and handling of animals. This not only benefits the handlers by reducing workplace risks but also supports better welfare practices for the livestock.

With her research, Marquardt aims to influence the broader agricultural community by providing insights that can lead to better hiring practices, training programs, and daily operations on farms. Her work is a testament to the potential of scientific innovation to impact practical and ethical standards in agriculture.

Photo Credit: nebraska-extenstion