cattle areas

[catdance62]

We have been raising dairy goats for a few years now, and just got 4 cattle last week. They are in a fenced in area approx. 4 acres square, maybe a little more. We built them a barn for shelter and there is a large tree for shade, plus the treeline on the outside of the fence to the west provides shade starting at about 1 or 2. The area that adjoins their pasture is the goats area, a semi-wooded area of about 2 acres. We let the cattle in there one day to see if they wanted to herd with the goats, but they just pretty much wanted to hang out by themselves. We decided with feeding the goats their food (ration mix) and feeding the cattle their food (all stock), it would be better if the cattle just lived in their own pasture (not to mention that they pooped all in the barn and I dont need the extra work of raking cow poo along with the goat berries!). So, night before last the cattle managed to lift the latch on the gate and let themselves back in with the goats to the wooded area. We had a devil of a time getting them back on "their side" , and now they act all forlorn, hanging out by the gate etc. I know I shouldnt worry about if they are "happy" or not, but I want them to be comfortable because it has been my experience that animals that are comfortable are better producers etc. I jjust dont want them to be stressed out. Will they eventually mellow out and be comfortable in their area? We've had them about a week.

[Jay]

Put them where YOU want them. They'll survive. They probably liked cleaning up the goat feed, etc so that's why they want back in there.

[brody]

yes they will mellow out and be happy where they are

it may take a bit though now that they have something to covet

[catdance62]

thanks for responding so quickly. I do feel better now. I know most people dont think of cows "happiness", but it is important to me along with their health. I was a little put out with them acting like that! They have a perfectly good pasture, barn, water, mineral etc. And yes, they did clean up the spilled goat feed. Goats are picky and wont eat off the ground! BTW these are a small variety of cattle, so they have more than enough room and grass.

[RosewoodfarmVA]

Shade is a big factor. As long as they have shade all day long, not just periodically, they will be fine. In an area like Texas this time of year they ideally would have shade available all day long to control their body temp.

[catdance62]

Yes, trees would be a plus, but they have shade most of the hot part of the day from the treeline on the other side of the fence. They have the barn too. I think we are going to put up a temp shade thing for summertime. These cattle are miniature Zebu and resist heat pretty well, but will probably do better with an all-day choice.