TCFA Feedyard Technician Certification Practice Test

When loading cattle, which of the following is least likely to affect their movement?

1. Scent of the area

2. Number of handlers present

3. Visibility of other cattle

4. Time of day

The correct answer is: Time of day

The least likely factor to affect the movement of cattle when loading is the time of day. Cattle are primarily influenced by their immediate environment and conditions rather than the specific time on the clock. This includes their sensory experiences, such as sounds, visual stimuli, or even the presence of other cattle and handlers, which can cause them to feel more or less secure in their movement. When considering the other factors, the scent of the area can have a significant impact on cattle behavior since animals rely heavily on their sense of smell to interpret their environment and assess safety. The number of handlers present can also affect cattle movement; for instance, too many handlers can create an intimidating atmosphere, while too few could lead to confusion or slower movement. Visibility of other cattle plays a crucial role as well; cattle are herd animals and feel more secure when they can see and move alongside their companions. All these factors directly influence the way cattle react and move during loading, making them more relevant than the time of day.