1. Handling and Transportation: Rough handling during transport, loading, and unloading can cause bruises. This includes squeezing animals in narrow spaces, using sharp prods, or dropping animals during loading or unloading.
2. Fencing and Infrastructure: Injuries from barbed wire, sharp edges on gates, or inadequate fencing can cause bruising.
3. Bovine Social Behavior: Cattle are herd animals and can bruise each other during competition for resources, dominance displays, or during stressful situations.
4. Disease or Parasites: Certain diseases or parasites can weaken blood vessels, leading to increased bruising. For example, certain types of ticks can transmit parasites that cause blood clotting disorders.
It's important to note that these are just a few of the factors that can cause bruising in cattle. Other factors can include genetic predispositions, nutrition, and environmental conditions.