Hi Ryan--thanks for posting. I can see your point, and certainly agree on some points. Yes, it is the big puppy dog bulls (usually a bottle baby) that hurt people. My Australian friend calls it "playing pushy pushy" when they're babies--sure is fun when they're 75 lbs., and NOT when they're 400! Cattle are cattle no matter what size, and they're motivated by the same things: food, fear, and sex. My Mini Zebu are more difficult--and easier at the same time--to understand. That's what fascinates me about cattle--they can be "whispered" just like horses (now--horses DO scare me, though--I think they're crazy).
I realize most of the folks on this board are commercial cattle raisers, and I expect to have tussles with them regarding the "purpose" of cattle, particularly minis. My cows are PETS; they go to shows and behave. They must stay calm; and I can maneuver even my wilder pasture mamas into a trailer if I work alone and patiently. I only sell calves and I get $2500 for a 75 lb. weaned heifer calf and $1000--$2000 for a bull calf. That's my marketing niche--mine are the tamest and calmest around. I don't compete w/ beef or dairy producers, so why is there such scorn? Why am I not a "bonafide" cattle rancher?
For the record, I love beef--but wrapped in plastic from the store--yes, I'm a hypocrite, and comfortable with it. I shoot feral cats and dogs, and would NEVER have a "pet" snake, raccoon, monkey, or exotic cat, and I don't name my goldfish or chickens. I never turn my back on a bull, but I'm more scared of new mamas--they're the ones that'll kill you.
I think the most vicious and untrustworthy "pet" animals are housecats, blonde cocker spaniels, ANY terrier--Yorkie to Pit Bull--and the most dangerous is a Chihuahua--but the lil tiny bites won't hurt ya! Dottie
