vclavin
Well-known member
Watching cattle is a part of my life I truely enjoy. I have noticed behavior that I've always wondered if anyone else had seen as well. I understand most believe cattle are "stupid" and/or little or no "intelligence" after reading what I've observed, what do you "think".
1. I've watched the cows place calves on a hill together, the cows than layed around the calves in a circle (surrounding/corraling) with the bull making rounds as guard.
2. I've seen cows push calves in the barn and they then layed in front of the openings so calves could not get out - usually during storms.
3. I've seen cows play head to head games with calves, letting the little tikes push momma backwards as if to "win" the game. (play is supposed to be accomplished by intelligent animals..hmmm) Bull also plays with calves as well. The most surprising was when I observed the herd bull (at 2 1/2 yrs old) let a yearling push him backwards - clearly letting the young bull win the game -teaching him something?
4. When we moved the cows to the new farm, we had to check fences. Cows were checking out their new perimeter when they came across a pile of "old" cattle bones. The cows - in single procession - walked by the bones and as they passed by , turned their heads and "mooed" as if saying "goodbye" or "rest in peace" . It was quite eye opening to say the least.
5. When ready to calve, there is always 2 guard cows a respectable distance away from the mom to be as she gets ready to calve and during the calving process.
6. There's always a babysitter with the calves and usually a heifer when they are old enough. Like teaching them to be good moms. Bull even takes a turn once in awhile. When babysitting, they never leave the calves alone and are always the last ones up to receive grain. Cows/heifers are quite patient and don't seem to mind being late for feed, the bull is another story! He gets ansy and moos at the calves to "hurry"...LOL
7. Memory. They had me fooled into thinking they were forgetfull. Nope, just trusting. They always head for the hills when a squeeze chute arrives - lol. I have a 10 year old cow that remembered being allowed to go down the allay - vets alley(lol) so she could go to the pasture. Then come back in morning and evening to feed her blind heifer calf. To my surprise, she remembered that alley and going to pasture thru it again the following year.
There's more but gotta remember them - lol. Got any stories? Please share your thoughts and/or stories.
Valerie
1. I've watched the cows place calves on a hill together, the cows than layed around the calves in a circle (surrounding/corraling) with the bull making rounds as guard.
2. I've seen cows push calves in the barn and they then layed in front of the openings so calves could not get out - usually during storms.
3. I've seen cows play head to head games with calves, letting the little tikes push momma backwards as if to "win" the game. (play is supposed to be accomplished by intelligent animals..hmmm) Bull also plays with calves as well. The most surprising was when I observed the herd bull (at 2 1/2 yrs old) let a yearling push him backwards - clearly letting the young bull win the game -teaching him something?
4. When we moved the cows to the new farm, we had to check fences. Cows were checking out their new perimeter when they came across a pile of "old" cattle bones. The cows - in single procession - walked by the bones and as they passed by , turned their heads and "mooed" as if saying "goodbye" or "rest in peace" . It was quite eye opening to say the least.
5. When ready to calve, there is always 2 guard cows a respectable distance away from the mom to be as she gets ready to calve and during the calving process.
6. There's always a babysitter with the calves and usually a heifer when they are old enough. Like teaching them to be good moms. Bull even takes a turn once in awhile. When babysitting, they never leave the calves alone and are always the last ones up to receive grain. Cows/heifers are quite patient and don't seem to mind being late for feed, the bull is another story! He gets ansy and moos at the calves to "hurry"...LOL
7. Memory. They had me fooled into thinking they were forgetfull. Nope, just trusting. They always head for the hills when a squeeze chute arrives - lol. I have a 10 year old cow that remembered being allowed to go down the allay - vets alley(lol) so she could go to the pasture. Then come back in morning and evening to feed her blind heifer calf. To my surprise, she remembered that alley and going to pasture thru it again the following year.
There's more but gotta remember them - lol. Got any stories? Please share your thoughts and/or stories.
Valerie
