Every good rancher knows that cows have different personalities and characteristics. Some are bold and strong, others timid and shy, while the rest must be somewhere in between. In a cattle behavior study conducted at the University of British Columbia, cows were previously identified as fearful, sociable, optimistic, or negative and were then subjected to stressful situations. Research found that the fearful ones were more vocal and had higher eye temperatures, both of which are key indicators of stress.
Note: High eye temperatures are a result of increased blood flow into the eyes as the sympathetic nervous system is activated in threatening situations.
Cattle, just like humans, have personalities that are formed based on past experiences. They can remember both positive and negative encounters and associate objects or individuals with them. For example, cows that have directly experienced wolf attacks showed signs of stress when they saw wolves again. Additionally, those who were not directly affected but were merely witnesses to the attacks displayed similar physiological effects. This type of cattle behavior may be attributed to the fact that cattle can detect the scent of stress hormones, particularly in the urine of their peers.
Going through a cattle chute can be one of the most daunting experiences in a cow’s life. Ranchers are always recommended to make sure that the animal’s first time in a cattle chute is stress-free as this will determine their future personalities: if they are stubborn, difficult, shy, or easy to work with. Acclimating cattle so they get used to being handled could be considered time consuming at first but will make life much easier for the rancher in the long run. The practice of acclimating cattle can reduce stress, improve immune systems, and eventually save time for handlers.
Many years of research have proven that implementing low-stress cattle handling techniques are beneficial to both the cow and the rancher. When handlers prioritize animal welfare, profitability is increased. Working livestock in a calm environment greatly pays off as cattle are processed quicker and bruising is reduced. Avoiding cattle bruising is proven to be essential as bruised meat and dark cutters have lower beef quality and grade.
It is important to remind ourselves that cows can think, feel, and remember things like we do. Anyone who is experienced in working with cattle will say that putting ourselves in their hooves will help us understand their behavior. Furthermore, getting to know cows more as individuals than the same parts of a whole can prove to be essential for smooth cattle handling.
In a similar cattle behavior research on pain and pessimism, it was found that cows think negatively after a bad and painful experience, making them difficult to work with. This study proves that non-human species are also able to have cognitive bias in response to pain. Negative events can deeply affect the emotional state and judgment of cattle the same way humans get depressed after experiencing traumatizing situations.
Many ranchers may wonder how to handle their cattle better to ensure both the animals’ well-being and their own peace of mind. Here are some key strategies and tips to help you understand and manage cattle behavior effectively:
1. Start Early: Begin acclimating new cattle to handling practices as soon as they arrive on the ranch. Positive experiences early on can set the tone for their behavior in the future.
2. Gentle Approach: Use calm and gentle handling methods whenever interacting with cattle. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or aggressive behavior that can trigger stress in animals.
3. Observation: Take the time to observe your cattle and understand their individual personalities. This will help you tailor your handling techniques to suit each animal’s specific needs.
4. Training: Consider investing in proper cattle handling training for yourself and your staff. Learning effective and low-stress handling techniques can significantly improve the well-being of your cattle.
5. Patience: Remember that building trust and developing a bond with your cattle takes time. Be patient and consistent in your approach to handling to create a positive relationship with your animals.
By incorporating these strategies into your cattle management practices, you can create a more harmonious environment for both your livestock and yourself. Understanding and respecting the individuality of each cow can lead to better outcomes in terms of animal welfare, productivity, and overall ranch management.
In conclusion, cattle behavior is a complex and intricate aspect of ranching that requires careful observation, understanding, and management. By recognising and respecting the individual personalities of cows, ranchers can create a positive and low-stress environment that benefits both the animals and the business. Implementing effective handling techniques, acclimating cattle to new experiences, and prioritising animal welfare are key steps towards successful cattle management. By working with the natural behaviours and instincts of cows, ranchers can build trust, improve productivity, and ensure the well-being of their livestock. Remember, happy cows make for a happy rancher, so invest time and effort into understanding and managing cattle behavior for a more successful and fulfilling ranching experience.
