Good facilities for handling cattle will reduce shrinkage in livestock. Cattle that are chased, driven or sorted to excess because of poor facilities will shrink more than cattle that are not. Livestock know when a person is inexperienced. This is apparent in the cattle's actions. A few experienced cow hands will save precious pounds.
Cattle are sensitive to light, movement, and sound.
Loading and unloading can be a traumatic experience because of this sensitivity. Facilities should reflect the natural behaviour of cattle to follow and move in a circle. Rough handling must be avoided. Under loading trucks can allow the cattle to circle, kick or slip during transport. Tension is caused when cattle are grouped together with unfamiliar cattle.