Is she pregnant?

[BAGTIC]

I bought my first ever cattle about seven weeks ago. Two are regular Galloways and two are miniature Galloways (one bull, one heifer, unrelated, about 9-10 months old and 31-32" high.

I had the cows bred AI about three weeks ago. About 16 days later I noticed the little bull pestering one of the cows and a few days observation convinced me that she was not bred. Bull calf has showed no interest in other cow so I am hoping for best.

Yesterday I was giving a little mixed feed to cows and calves and the 'hopefully' bred one head butted both little calves away. This was not while they were feeding when there was only the usual crowding in to get their share. This was after the feeding while they were returning to pasture.

Could this be an indicator that the butting cow is pregnant. I know nothing about cows but as a teenager I raised a few sows and I know thay they get testy and dislike company once they are pregnant. Are cows the same?

 

[FARMER4LIFE]

From studies and observations of my own cattle live in social groups. Each group has a dominant animal. It is stuctured typically by age, weight, size of horns (if present), sex and breed. In my herds their has always been a queen and king you could say.They were the bullies to younger or smaller cattle and those that were being bullied were bullies to those smaller and younger to them. I have never really noticed head butting as a sign of pregnancy. So in my opinion, I wouldn't rely on head butting to let you know whether or not she's pregnant. Cows normally cycle every 21 days so watch signs of estrus, standing to be mounted, raised tail head, swollen vulva, discharge, or pacing. Good luck! The best way to learn is from experience!

 

[Bez?]

She was simply claiming her feed - there is no "I promise to share" in the animal world. They will do the same to you if you are not careful. Do NOT think for a minute this kind gentle animal has any feelings of love for you. You are simply a food source..

Stick your arm up her or wait until God and Mother Nature tell you. Those are the only true indicators.

In the end dominance is NO indicator of anything other than the boss animal.

Bez?

 

[msscamp]

This was not while they were feeding when there was only the usual crowding in to get their share. This was after the feeding while they were returning to pasture.

Could this be an indicator that the butting cow is pregnant.

No.