Cattle Handling

To handle cattle correctly, an understanding of animal behaviour is essential. In fact, the greater the handler's knowledge of cattle behaviour, the better their ability to predict an animal's response. And the better the ability to predict animal responses, the quicker and easier the job and the lower the probability of injury to animals or people.

Cattle, because of their size, strength, speed and potential for aggression, need to be handled thoughtfully and with confidence.

The most important aspect of handling any livestock is to be able to recognise and interpret an animal's reactions. The beast's 'body language' will indicate its probable actions.

Behavioural Characteristics of Cattle

Cattle remain immobile when first threatened. Their first reaction is to stand and assess the situation. If frightened, their natural instinct is to escape.

Cattle try to maintain other animals within their vision. They have a field of view of 330o and have the ability to see threats from almost all directions.

Social order in the mob is usually established at about two years of age and maintained by threats and butting. When mobs are mixed, social order has to be re-established so aggression occurs until a new order is established. This may hinder movement of stock.

Within a mob of cattle, there is an order of dominance. This can be seen in action at the water or feed trough where certain animals are always first to drink or eat. Other animals tend to stand back until the dominant animals have finished. Dominance may also be seen when cattle are on the move. The same animals will usually lead the mob. They will also be the first to enter gateways. Dominance and the need to maintain hierarchy in a group of cattle becomes a problem when the animals are in confined spaces such as holding yards. This can be a cause of significant stress within a mob. Crowding of cattle will also increase aggression as the animals try to maintain personal space.

Social behaviour varies with age, breed, sex, Bos Indicus and Bos Indicus-cross animals are more sensitive/temperamental than British or European breeds.

Young bulls, when moved in groups, show a degree of playfulness (pushing and shoving) but bulls become more aggressive and territorial with age. Adult bulls have large personal space (six metres or more). When adult bulls are crowded, fighting will occur at gateways or in yards.

Bulls are uncontrollable when fighting. They become highly-aroused and will break away suddenly. Handlers have to be extremely careful to avoid injury.

Cows with young calves can be very protective so that handling them in the presence of their mothers can be dangerous.

Cattle, particularly Bos indicus breeds, do not like being singled out either in the paddock or in yards. They can become extremely agitated and aroused.