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Herd Behaviour And How It Might Influence Decisions Regarding Preparation And Administering Of Cattle Treatments
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Observation of cattle has shown that there is a “critical distance” that must be maintained between animal and animal, as well as between animal and human. This critical distance encloses the personal space within which an animal feels comfortable. With cattle, this distance varies from about one metre in show animals to about 50 metres, and more, where they are free-ranging.
Animals attempt to maintain the critical distance at all times. Therefore, for the efficient movement of livestock, handlers should position themselves at the boundary of the animal’s personal space, and keep moving steadily towards the animals. The animal will then move in the desired direction. Should an animal start to run, the handler, by standing still, allows the critical distance between the animal, and the handler, to be reinstated, and the animal will stop running.
Entry into the animal’s personal space by the handler stresses the animal. Thus, when handlers hang over an animal or approach it rapidly when it is in a crush, the animal is apt to rear or jump out of the crush.
The personal space required by an animal will affect the shape and size of holding pens. Long, narrow pens are more efficient than square or round pens.
Cattle and sheep have a strong following instinct. This is related to their need to maintain visual contact with each other. This “following behaviour” often causes a herd of animals to rush for a gate once one of the groups has passed through the gate. In this case, animals at the edge of the group can be flung against the gate post and can be bruised in the process. This behaviour can be used to the advantage of the handler. Thus, it is not advisable to empty a crush completely, until the last group of animals in a session have been handled. If a few animals are left in the front of a crush, the next group to be herded in will enter readily.
Click here to view a video that explains how cows perceive their world.
Click here to view a video that explains the social hierarchy of cattle.