The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Daisys Mum on June 20, 2010, 09:35:37 pm

Title: Going to the abattoir
Post by: Daisys Mum on June 20, 2010, 09:35:37 pm

Can anyone tell me why the 3 hoggets took us about 1 hour to catch tonight to load for the abattoir when normally if I dare forget to shut the gate into the yard they are through and into the feed store like little rockets.
I reckon someone told them where they were going!
Title: Re: Going to the abattoir
Post by: Fleecewife on June 21, 2010, 01:37:39 am
Typical isn't it  ::)
Sheep, being prey animals, with us as predators, are excellent at reading our body language.  Saunter into the field on a normal day and they don't appear to take any notice.  Saunter in with foot shears in your pocket and the intention of catching one and you won't see them for dust.
Title: Re: Going to the abattoir
Post by: Daisys Mum on June 21, 2010, 01:36:22 pm

Well we arrived at the abattoir at 6.30 this morning, new Lairageman who I warned that they were a bit fiesty and would run off if given the chance, so what did he do let them loose. 3 mad sheep running round the yard, fortunately there were quite a few people around so managed to recapture them fairly quickly.
Had visions of myself running around Galasheils trying to round up sheep.
Title: Re: Going to the abattoir
Post by: shrekfeet on June 21, 2010, 02:06:43 pm
pre slaughter stress seriously affects the meat quality due to the chemicals released through adrenalin rush. You need to keep them as calm as possible next time around
Title: Re: Going to the abattoir
Post by: Daisys Mum on June 22, 2010, 07:08:24 am

This  is not a normal occurance, usually have no problems and although they escaped for a few minutes to be honest they did not seem to be particularly stressed. That was me!  ::)