How to be safe working with cows and their calves? - Ask Extension
Specifically, beef cows and their calves out on pasture. Is there a publication for this?
Knowledgebase
How to be safe working with cows and their calves? #163063
Asked December 30, 2013, 1:20 PM EST
Specifically, beef cows and their calves out on pasture. Is there a publication for this?
Wayne County Ohio
Expert Response
I don't know your level of experience with cattle, so some of
this may be things you already know, but I am erring on the side of caution.
All large animals are potentially dangerous. While some breeds are more docile than others, every animal is different. There are few sites that have helpful information on cattle behavior and safe handling: http://lamar.colostate.edu/~grandin/references/safe.html - an overview from the Vet Med side of things.
http://animalscience.tamu.edu/files/2012/04/beef-cattle-handling-pointers.pdf - a basic primer of cattle handling relates to confined and unconfined spaces.
http://blog.unmc.edu/cscash/2012/04/04/pasture-safety-at-calving-time/ - talks a little about safety at calving, but is on the general side.
Cattle are color blind and have poor depth perception so they can be easily startled by sudden movements - even something as simple as a shirttail caught in a strong breeze or an errant plastic grocery bag rustling in the wind.
Getting between mothers and offspring can be especially dangerous but, depending on the animal, just getting near her calf may be enough to provoke a cow.
First-calf heifers are especially dangerous because you have no way of knowing how she will react to motherhood. A good general rule is that if a cow was overprotective of her calf once, she'll probably do it again. When protecting a calf, cows can be lightning quick if they decide to charge. You may not be able to get away before she gets you. It is important for anyone working with cow/calf pairs to be aware of the situation and know the signs of an aggressive cow.
All large animals are potentially dangerous. While some breeds are more docile than others, every animal is different. There are few sites that have helpful information on cattle behavior and safe handling: http://lamar.colostate.edu/~grandin/references/safe.html - an overview from the Vet Med side of things.
http://animalscience.tamu.edu/files/2012/04/beef-cattle-handling-pointers.pdf - a basic primer of cattle handling relates to confined and unconfined spaces.
http://blog.unmc.edu/cscash/2012/04/04/pasture-safety-at-calving-time/ - talks a little about safety at calving, but is on the general side.
Cattle are color blind and have poor depth perception so they can be easily startled by sudden movements - even something as simple as a shirttail caught in a strong breeze or an errant plastic grocery bag rustling in the wind.
Getting between mothers and offspring can be especially dangerous but, depending on the animal, just getting near her calf may be enough to provoke a cow.
First-calf heifers are especially dangerous because you have no way of knowing how she will react to motherhood. A good general rule is that if a cow was overprotective of her calf once, she'll probably do it again. When protecting a calf, cows can be lightning quick if they decide to charge. You may not be able to get away before she gets you. It is important for anyone working with cow/calf pairs to be aware of the situation and know the signs of an aggressive cow.
