Cow butts: reasons and what to do, top 5 best weaning methods

Peacefully grazing cows give the impression of slow and measured animals. In fact, cattle do not always have a docile disposition. When arrogant cows and bulls butt heads, it becomes a real problem for the herd, owners and farm workers. The first thought is to get rid of an uncomfortable animal, but there are proven methods to correct violent behavior and reduce the degree of aggression.

Why does a cow butt?

Horns are a natural defense tool for an animal, which helps it to defend itself 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 lives have become calm and measured in comparison with living in the wild, have become less likely to use their horns for their intended purpose. A vigorous cow disturbs the peace of her relatives and can pose a serious danger to others.

In order to choose a course of action to correct the situation, it is necessary to assess the situation and understand the reasons for the nonsensical behavior.

Cattle alertness can result from the following circumstances:

Intuitive defense. It is characteristic of recently calving cows who intuitively feel that the calf is in danger. A similar defensive reaction is sometimes observed in animals that are 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 horns are the first thing to go.
Wild character. Aggressiveness that occurs for no apparent reason is often inherited from parents, which is important to consider when buying a cow or bull. It is difficult in this case 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 really not comfortable 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 by butting and kicking. In such a situation, the reason may be banal - a stuffy or uncleaned barn causes rejection of cattle.

In cases where it is not possible to identify a provocative factor or there are no obvious reasons for aggression, they resort to various methods that have proven effective in practice.

How to wean a cow from butting

Methods of subduing 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;
cutting 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 the horns

This method, not the most humane, but effective, is the most widespread. The essence of the procedure for cutting the horns is as follows:

no sharp ends reduce the risk of injury to others;
discomfort during the healing period of saw cut wean the animal from habitual behavior.

The ends of the horns are usually cut off with a hacksaw, after having securely fixed the cow's head. 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 passage of large vessels accompanies bleeding. In this case, a pressure multilayer bandage is applied to the pulsating blood stream. After the bleeding stops, the bandage is carefully removed. Areas with dried dressings can be soaked with peroxide or left without tearing. Later, the remains will fall off on their own.

A fresh wound gives the cattle pain, which increases sharply when trying 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 removal of the horns is possible at an early age. The calves are cauterized in stages to prevent growth.

Such a radical method eliminates the problem of alertness, but deprives the horned cattle of the ability to hold the line and win a place of honor in the herd.

Put shock absorbers on the tips 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. The effectiveness 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 similar shock-absorbing nozzles from a thick-walled rubber hose. The main task is to ensure a strong fixation of the shock absorber. It will not be difficult for a cow to remove protection with a weak fastening.

Blindfold

A blindfold that restricts vision is suitable if the cattle shows aggression towards specific stimuli. Seeing no object for attacks and feeling limited in the review, the animal behaves calmer.

They also use leather or rubber eyecups that narrow the field of view. An inferior view reduces the likelihood of an annoying object being seen by a disoriented cow. A horse h alter is also used, putting it on the head of a cattle, and tying it with a rope extending from the device to a pole or tree. The cow's limited circle of movement will save other animals from attacks.

Fix the pads on the horns

The technique is to attach a small wooden board to the top of the horns. The design hinders the movements of the head, makes attacks ineffective. To install wooden blocks on the horns of a cow, you will need a board with a length equal to the distance between their end sections with an increase of 10 centimeters on each side.Holes are made in the board for the horns at an appropriate distance from each other and with diameters equal to the circumference of the sharp tips. 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 leave the habit of butting.

Slap on the ears or nose

Ears, eyes and nose, as especially sensitive areas in cows, are the most vulnerable. The process itself resembles a training method. Immediately after the next attack, the cattle are forcefully slapped on the nose or ears. A persistent attack-pain association over time allows you to pacify a violent animal.

Tugging the ear at the base with a tight rubber band has a similar pattern. Severe discomfort and soreness distract the cow's attention from the object of attack.

It can be difficult to tame an arrogant cow. To wean a cow or a bull to butt, you need to analyze the conditions of detention, choose the best way to solve the problem. The process will require strength and patience from the owner and workers of the farm.