Every farmer wants to control his livestock, to be the leader.
The key is NOT to achieve this by luring animals with (concentrate) feed.
Leadership is a "verb" when interacting with herd animals, it does not happen automatically.
Once animals trust and respect you, you are in charge of the group, they will obey you.
Doing so is safer, faster, more animal-friendly and works more efficiently.
Once your animals know you are luring them with concentrate feed, they will obey for a short time.
The animal's natural response is clear: "Everything is fine, as long as I get concentrate feed."
BUT... WHAT IF THERE IS NO MORE (CONCENTRATE) FEED? Do they still obey you?
They usually walk away, the ultimate expression that to them you are just a "feeder on two legs," NO LEADER, and no control at all.
I regularly see horses, cattle and even pigs systematically and disrespectfully checking the farmer's buckets and bags for contents.
Despite the sometimes hilarious and highly unsafe situation, these handlers/owners say they never bait their animals with concentrate feed....
As soon as you drive your herd animals in front of you in a calm and controlled way for 10 to 15 minutes several times a week, they learn to respect you without luring! This works both in the cowshed and in the pasture.
Young animals in particular are naturally very curious. Anxious young animals quickly lose their fear through this way of working and therefore become curious.
By letting the animals move slowly (without running), they learn to obey, trust and respect you.
In addition to a safer and more efficient working environment, it also increases job satisfaction and animal welfare.
Source text Ronald Rongen, photo Gert van den Bosch