Case Study: Temperament Dispute

AuctionsPlus are updating our User Agreement and Sale Terms. 

The information outlined in this article is effective as of the 1st March, 2023.

Our typical process when reviewing a temperament dispute is for the stock to be given access to a paddock with ample feed and water for a period of 7 days after delivery. This time frame is suggested to give the stock sufficient time to settle from the stress of transport and settle into their new surroundings. It is rare for an issue with temperament to not be resolved after the 7 days have passed, at which point they are returned to the yards and their temperament reviewed.

In the event that a valid temperament issue remains after this time, the claim is reviewed against the outlined tolerances in the AuctionsPlus User Agreement.

Temperament Assessment:

  • If the lot is assessed as a single descriptor (for example, 100% stirry) - clauses 2.1-2.3 relating to Single Descriptor traits apply (page 39)
  • If the lot is assessed with multiple descriptors (for example, 80% stirry, 20% slightly stirry) - Tolerance Model 3 and clauses 2.10-2.12 apply (page 40)

Additional information relating to the application of the Tolerance Models under our Terms is available here.

AuctionsPlus Temperament Descriptors (Cattle)

Docile: Settled and somewhat dull disposition. Gentle and easily handled, moves slowly when in a mob, needs encouragement to move away from handler. Cattle easily handled individually in yards and paddock, without eagerness to return to mob. Does not pull on headgate when in crush and exits calmly.

Quiet: Displaying a quiet & calm disposition. Cattle easily handled individually and in mob. Handler in control at all times. May exhibit some stubbornness. Exits crush promptly, may try to back out of crush, pull on head gate and some flicking of tail.

Slightly Stirry: Manageable but impatient and moves quickly. Handling individually increases nervous behaviour and exhibits clear signs of eagerness to return to mob. Handler in control when handled in a mob. Reluctant to stand quietly in crush, tail flicking, repeated pushing and pulling on headgate. Exits crush briskly.

Stirry: Out of control and jumpy. Struggles and clearly uncomfortable when handled in a mob. Runs fenceline and may jump when penned individually. Continuous tail flicking and bellowing in crush. Large flight distance, exits crush wildly. Considered scared of human interaction rather than aggressive. Not recommended for inexperienced handlers.

Aggressive: Aggressive behaviour, fearful, extreme agitation. Continuous movement when handled in a mob, disrupts handling of other cattle in mob. May exhibit attack behaviour when handled alone. May jump or continuously bellow while in crush. Exits crush frantically.