US Expert on Livestock handling systems to speak at Beef Expo

US EXPERT ON LIVESTOCK HANDLING SYSTEMS
TO SPEAK AT BEEF EXPO

Renowned international expert on animal behaviour, Professor Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, USA, will be spending two days in Scotland in May giving practical demonstrations of advanced livestock handling systems.

Prof Grandin is sure to be a huge draw for the thousands of beef farmers from all over the UK attending Beef Expo 2008 at Perth Agricultural Centre on Wednesday, May 21, where she will be demonstrating different livestock handling systems based on equipment to be provided by David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd, Forfar, Angus, and American Squeeze Crush Systems Ltd, Bedale, North Yorks.

She will also be giving an on-farm demonstration the previous day of the cattle handling system at Ballathie Estate, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perthshire, during the pre-event farm tour.

“Prof Grandin is renowned throughout the world for her research work on animal behaviour and her practical approach to the design of livestock handling facilities,” said Randal Wilson, chairman of the Beef Expo organising committee.

“Curved chute and race systems for cattle designed by Prof Grandin are used world-wide, including Scotland, and we are very fortunate that she has kindly agreed to spend two days with us at Beef Expo.”

Beef Expo 2008, organised by the National Beef Association and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Agriculture, returns to Scotland this year for the first time since 2004. Theme of this year’s event is “Engage with Beef – Sustainable Systems”.

Prof Grandin teaches courses on livestock behaviour and facility design at Colorado State University and is a world-renowned consultant on the design of handling facilities and animal welfare. She is the author of several books and more than 300 articles in both scientific journals and livestock periodicals and regularly features in prime-time televisions shows in the USA.

Her web site, www.grandin.com, is dedicated to “educating people throughout the world about modern methods of livestock handling which will improve animal welfare and productivity”.

Further information from the event organiser, Euan Emslie, 3 Briar Close, Newport, Brough, East Yorkshire. HU15 2QY. Tel: 01430 441870. Fax: 01430 448432. Mobile: 07718 908523. E-mail: [email protected] or at www.beef2008.co.uk