Denver - World-renowned livestock facilities designer Dr. Temple Grandin of Fort Collins, Colo., is scheduled to speak during the International Livestock Congress - USA at the National Western's Livestock Center Auction Arena Jan. 8.
"The opportunity to hear Dr. Grandin discuss the importance of understanding cattle behavior to reduce stress and to learn about Dr. Grandin's designs for livestock handling facilities is a rare opportunity and one that should not be missed" said Bill Angell, National Western Stock Show yards manager.
Dr. Grandin is a designer of livestock handling facilities and an animal science professor at Colorado State University, where she also serves as a consultant to the livestock industry. She has designed livestock handling facilities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
An exceptional individual labeled autistic in 1950, Grandin has overcome the challenge by recognizing her interests and abilities, which have lead to her success as a one of the few livestock handling equipment designers in the world. She also is an author of more than 300 articles in both scientific journals and livestock periodicals on animal handling, welfare, and facility design, and her book "Animals in Translation" was a New York Times best seller.
In North America, nearly 50 percent of cattle are handled in a center track restrainer system that she designed for meat plants. Curved chute and race systems she has designed for cattle are used worldwide, and her writings on the flight zone and other principles of animal grazing behavior have helped many people reduce stress on their animals during handling.
There is no charge to attend Dr. Grandin's presentation. For additional information, contact Colette Ratcliff at 303-777-5662 or Bill Angell at 303-297-1166 x 5600.
