In the United States, large animals are the most common element in serious non-fatal injuries to farmers, and cattle are responsible for a majority of all injuries caused by farm animals. A 1997 study at the Oklahoma State University showed that more than half of the animal-related injuries they studied were due to human error. Understanding cattle’s behavior can help farm workers avoid dangerous situations.

COW EYES

Cattle have panoramic vision, which means they can see in all directions without moving their head, except directly behind them. Additionally, cattle have poor depth perception, especially when they are moving with their heads up. This is why they sometimes balk at shadows and strange objects on the ground. Unfamiliar objects and shadows are the primary reasons for cattle balking and holding up the animals behind them. Therefore, handling and working facilities should be designed and constructed to minimize shadows.

Cattle have a tendency to move toward lighter, brighter areas. If working cattle at night, use frosted lamps that do not glare in the animals’ faces. Position these lights in the area where you are moving the cattle to, such as a trailer or barn.

COWS TAKE FLIGHT

Moving a herd of cattle safely takes some knowledge and understanding of the animals’ "flight zone." Understanding the flight zone is the key to easy, quiet handling of your cattle. The flight zone is an animal’s personal space. When a person penetrates the flight zone, the animal will move. Conversely, when you retreat from the flight zone the animal will stop moving. The size of an animal’s flight zone depends on its wildness or tameness, the angle of approach, and the state of the animal’s excitement. Work at the edge of the flight zone at a 45 to 60 degree angle behind the animal’s shoulder. The flight zone radius varies greatly depending on the amount of contact with people the animal has had. Avoid approaching the animal abruptly. Since the point of balance is the shoulder, move back and forth by the shoulder, at the edge of the flight zone, on a line parallel to the direction you want the animal to travel. This will control the speed and direction of the animal’s movement.

HAVE YOU HERD?

In addition to the flight zone, an understanding of the "herd" instinct is important. Cattle follow a leader. They are motivated to follow each other. Each animal should be able to see others ahead of it. Use single-file alleys and chutes at least 20 feet long. Don’t force an animal in a chute or alley unless it has a place to go. If a cow balks it will continue balking. Give it time to decide its surroundings are safe before urging it to proceed.

In crowded pens, consider handling cattle in small groups—up to 10 head. The pen should not be so crowded that the cattle do not have room to turn. Use their instinctive following behavior to fill the chute. Wait until the single chute is almost empty before refilling it. A crowding gate should be used to follow cattle, not to shove up against them. If a lone animal refuses to move, release it and bring it back with another group. A cow left alone in a crowding pen may become agitated and attempt to jump the fence to rejoin the herd.

REMEMBER

• Never approach a cow from directly behind—talk softly and touch her gently as you approach.
• Proper lighting in cattle facilities is imperative—because of poor eyesight, cows will balk at shadows.
• Move cattle from darker areas toward lighted areas.
• Understand a cow’s flight zone and use their response to you to move them where you want them to go.
• Cattle are more comfortable and more easily moved when they are in a group rather than alone.
• Facilities should be properly designed and maintained for safe animal handling.