The term "low-stress" cattle handling evokes some confusion about what that actually is, says Grant Dewell, ISU Extension beef veterinarian, in a recent ISU Growing Beef Newsletter.

Dewell says confusion stems from different handling techniques that have been promoted as reducing stress. Fundamentally, these different techniques can be low stress as long as they are implemented in a way that reduces stress for cattle.

"Even the best designed system -- if used wrong -- will be stressful for cattle," Dewell writes. "The basic principle for low stress handling is to work with cattle's natural behavior to get the desired effect instead of against it.”

To read more about low-stress cattle handling, click here.

You might also like:

60 stunning photos that showcase ranch work ethics

Picture perfect summer grazing scenes from readers

7 U.S. cattle operations honored for stewardship efforts

How to prevent foot rot in cattle

What's the least expensive way to breed cows? It might not be what you think