Exploratory Evaluation of Handler Performance and Processing-related Outcomes During Cattle Handling

Authors

• Morgan Marquardt, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Ruth Woiwode

Committee Members

Lisa K. Karr, Jeffrey R. Stevens

Date of this Version

4-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Major: Animal Science

Under the supervision of Professor Ruth Woiwode

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Morgan Marquardt. Used by permission

Abstract

Animals have several critical roles in society, including the production of food and fiber, and companionship. Contact with animals has been shown to benefit human physical and mental health, yet little research has investigated the impact that humans have on animals. Handler skill may considerably affect the extent to which humans influence animal health and wellbeing, and this may be a critical consideration for animal agriculture. Objective assessment of cattle handler skill has received limited attention in the scientific literature, despite its importance to human safety and animal welfare. When compared to less skilled handlers, highly skilled cattle handlers may have a more comprehensive understanding of cattle behavioral principles and may apply these concepts more effectively during cattle handling.

The first study piloted an objective cattle handler skill assessment tool and compared evaluator-assigned scores to self-reported measures and injury history. Results indicated poor agreement between self-reported skill and objective performance, with most participants overestimating their abilities relative to evaluator scores. Higher self-reported skill was also associated with a greater likelihood of prior injury, suggesting that self-assessment and years of experience may be unreliable indicators of competence.

The second study evaluated the effect of a slow handling protocol on correct catch outcomes in commercial feedlot steers and explored associations with time of day and handler count. The slow handling protocol was associated with a reduction in incorrect catch, though pen-level effects were limited. Time-of-day effects were inconsistent and interpreted as exploratory. Handler count was not significantly associated with correct catch outcomes.

Considered together, these studies highlight the influence of human factors on cattle handling outcomes and underscore the need for validated, objective approaches to assessing handler skill.

Advisor: Ruth Woiwode