Cow Agression?

GrassFarmer · #1 12/03/12, 08:44 AM

I have a question for you folks, I am new to owning cattle, and I recently purchased a bred Texas Longhorn heifer. She is fairly gentle, but when I walk within a certain distance of her, she turns to her side and puffs herself up as big as she can. And I walked out into the field with her and watched her graze, as I came closer she gave a deep bellow... I am certain this does not have to do with her breeding as this line of Longhorns is quite gentle. She seems to have a problem with me. Is there any way I can get her to stop this? Thanks so much for your answers!!

genebo · #2 12/03/12, 09:13 AM

If you think it's you, check the scents you might be wearing. Aftershaves, colognes, perfumes, lotions and soaps are some sources of musk scents. Cattle have noses that are better than bloodhounds and use scents to communicate. Pheromones are not detectable to humans but can control the behavior of a cow. Musk scents ARE pheromones. You might be giving off signals you don't intend.

Have an experienced cattle handler watch you to see if your moves are too quick and jerky. Cattle like smooth moves and may shy away from moves that scare them.

While the experienced handler is there, have him (or her) give you their opinion of the movements the cow is making. If they are true aggression, you may have to get rid of the cow. There's a possibility that you are mistaking a normal move for aggression.

Give a new cow some time to settle in. Three days minimum. At first, everything in a new place is scary and she needs to be wary of it. That includes you. Check out the area where you are interacting with her to see if there are any objects that reflect light or flutter in the wind and remove them. See if the gate you go in to be with her makes her have to look into the sun to see you. If you're just a silhouette, you'll spook her. Find a different direction to approach her.

Carry an "authority stick", like a fiberglas rod with rubber tip and handle. Cows seem to understand a stick and focus their attention on it. You probably won't need to use it, but if you do, place the end against her shoulder and push.

Be positive in your attitude whenever you are near her. Move with authority. Don't creep up on her, ready to flee. She can sense this. Cattle are herd animals, that are instinctively programmed to fit into a pecking order. You and she are the whole herd and someone has to be the Alpha. If you don't take that position, she will.

Sorry for rambling. There is so much more, but hopefully something in here will ring a bell. Read Temple Grandin's books and writings to get a more insightful idea of how a cow's mind works.

SpaceCadet12364 · #3 12/03/12, 11:57 AM

They sometimes feel threatened by something or someone new. I give treats to the new one to show that I am no threat but if they get pushy a quick rap on the nose tells them I am boss not them.

GrassFarmer · #4 12/10/12, 08:12 AM

Ok Thanks so much!!!

agmantoo · #5 12/10/12, 08:58 AM

When that heifer has her calf you will need to be extremely careful. She is aggressive now but she will eat you up when the calf is born. I have ~ 100 brood cows typically. I do not tolerate such aggression, either expressed of suppressed. She would go to the sale on the next trailer leaving my place. Getting injured or worse by a cow is not on my to do list. No cow is worth getting hurt over.

mekasmom · #6 12/10/12, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet12364

They sometimes feel threatened by something or someone new.

She is afraid of you, so she is showing how "strong" she is to ward you off. To solve the problem you have to hand feed her. Start by tossing a treat close to her, so she can pick it up. Then, after time, get her to come closer and closer and finally take it from your hand. She will come to love you. Apples and carrots can do wonders.