What is vital to remember when lifting a small calf?

When lifting a small calf, it is crucial to support it securely with both arms to ensure the safety and well-being of both the handler and the animal. Using both arms provides necessary stability and strength, allowing you to lift the calf more securely and evenly. This approach minimizes the risk of injury to either party, as supporting the calf adequately helps in distributing its weight and keeps it from slipping or falling during the lift.

Lifting a calf also requires an understanding of the animal’s body mechanics and sensitivity to its needs. Providing secure support helps to reassure the calf and reduces its stress during the lifting process, which is especially important considering that calves can be squirmy and react unpredictably to being handled.

Other methods, such as lifting quickly or with a single arm, may lead to an increased risk of dropping the calf or straining oneself, while maintaining a low center of gravity, although beneficial in many lifting scenarios, does not inherently provide the necessary support needed for lifting an animal securely. Thus, securely supporting the calf with both arms is the best practice to ensure a safe and effective lift.