Why cows butt and what to do, top 5 best weaning methods
Peacefully grazing cows give the impression of slow and measured animals. In fact, the beast does not always have an agreeable disposition. When arrogant cows and bulls butt, it becomes a real problem for the herd, owners and farm workers. The first thought is to get rid of the uncomfortable animal, but there are methods proven in practice to correct violent behavior and reduce the degree of aggression.
Why is the cow butting?
Horns are a natural weapon of defense for the animal, which helps it to keep its defenses in the event of an attack by predatory animals, to defend its place in the herd. For centuries, people have tamed cattle, softening the severity of the manifestation of natural instincts.
Domesticated cows and bulls, whose life has become calm and measured in comparison with living in the wild, have become less likely to use horns for their intended purpose. A lively cow disturbs the peace of her relatives and can pose a serious danger to others.
The vigor of livestock can occur as a result of the following circumstances:
- Intuitive protection. Typical for newly calved cows that intuitively sense that the calf is in danger. A similar defensive reaction is sometimes observed in animals surrounded by a large number of people, accompanied by noise and harsh sounds.
- Defending authority. Relationships between animals in a herd are not always easy to build. Young animals are often oppressed, bulls and cows compete with each other. In the struggle for a place in the sun, the first thing to do is to use the horns.
- Exuberant character. Aggressiveness that occurs for no apparent reason is often inherited from parents, which is important to consider when buying a cow or bull. In this case, it is difficult to tame an obstinate animal without violent methods.
After analyzing the situation, it is easier to develop a strategy of behavior. If the conditions are truly uncomfortable for a particular animal, you can correct the situation by eliminating the cause of concern. Sometimes the cow refuses to enter the stall and resists, butting and kicking. In such a situation, the reason may be trivial - a stuffy or not cleaned barn causes rejection of the cattle.
In cases where it is not possible to identify the provoking factor or there are no obvious reasons for aggression, they resort to various methods that have proven their effectiveness in practice.
How to wean a cow from butting
The methods of restraining lively livestock can be divided into humane, violent and radical. The first option is less painful, but not always effective. To wean a cow or a bull to butt, reducing damage will help:
- mechanical devices and structures for horns;
- sawing off horns;
- cauterization of horns at an early age;
- physical impact on pain points.
Each method has advantages and disadvantages, requiring moderation and a rational approach on the part of breeders.
Cut off the horns
This method, not the most humane, but effective, is the most widespread. The essence of the horn cutting procedure is as follows:
- the absence of sharp ends reduces the likelihood of injury to others;
- discomfort during the period of saw cut healing wean the animal from its usual behavior.
The ends of the horns are usually cut off with a hacksaw for metal, having previously securely fixed the head of the cow. The procedure is painful for the cattle, as is the resulting wound. The saw cut is treated with an antiseptic and covered with a thick cotton-gauze bandage, which is tightly fixed on the horns.
A cut along the site of passage of large vessels accompanies bleeding. In this case, a pressure multi-layer bandage is applied to the pulsating stream of blood. After the bleeding has stopped, the bandage is carefully removed. Areas with adhered dressings can be soaked with peroxide or left without tearing. Later, the leftovers will fall off on their own.
A fresh wound gives the cattle pain, which is sharply increased by attempts to butt. Instinctively, cows and bulls begin to avoid painful movements. During the healing period of the saw cut, usually, as a result of self-preservation, a reflex is developed, and the animal stops butting. Complete horn removal is possible at an early age. The horns are burned to the calves in stages, preventing growth.
Such a radical method eliminates the problem of vivacity, but deprives the hornless cattle of the ability to defend and win a place of honor in the herd.
Put shock absorbers on the ends of the horns
The method of creating artificial protection for the tips of the processes is rightfully considered the most humane of the existing ones. Performance depends on the behavioral type and degree of aggressiveness of the cow or bull. Caps or rings made of thickened rubber are put on the sharp ends of the horns and firmly fixed. You can make such shock-absorbing nozzles from a thick-walled rubber hose. The main task is to ensure a firm fixation of the shock absorber. It will not be difficult for a cow to remove the protection if the attachment is weak.
Blindfold
A blindfold that limits the view is suitable if the cattle is aggressive towards specific stimuli. Not seeing an object for attacks and feeling limited in the view, the animal behaves more calmly.
Leather or rubber eyecups are also used to narrow the field of view. Poor vision reduces the likelihood of an annoying object being seen by a disoriented cow. A horse halter is also used, putting it on the head of the cattle, and tying it with a rope extending from the device to a post or tree. The limited range of movement of the cow will save other animals from attacks.
Fix the pads on the horns
The technique consists in attaching a small wooden board to the upper parts of the horns. The design constrains the movement of the head, making attacks ineffective. To install wooden blocks on the horns of a cow, you need a board with a length equal to the distance between their end sections, with increments of 10 centimeters on each side. Holes for horns are made in the board at an appropriate distance from each other and diameters equal to the circumference of the sharp ends.A wooden blank is put on the horns and fixed with clamps.
The structure is left on the cow's head for 2-3 weeks. In most cases, this period is enough for the animal, realizing the ineffectiveness of the attacks, to abandon the habit of butting.
Slap your ears or nose
Ears, eyes and nose are the most vulnerable areas in cows. The process itself resembles a training method. Immediately after the next attack, the cattle is forcefully slapped with a palm on the nose or ears. The persistent attack-pain association over time helps to tame the violent animal.
A similar pattern has a tug on the ear at the base with a tight elastic band. Severe discomfort and soreness distract the cow's attention from the target.
It can be difficult to tame an arrogant cow. To wean a cow or a bull from butting, you need to analyze the conditions of detention, find the best way to solve the problem. The process will require strength and patience from the owner and farm workers.
