Walking:
* Four-legged gait: Like most mammals, cattle walk on all four legs.
* Lateral gait: They use a lateral gait, meaning they move their legs on one side of their body in unison, then the legs on the other side. This is different from a diagonal gait (like a horse), where the legs move in diagonal pairs.
* "Roll" walk: Cattle often have a distinctive "roll" to their walk, where their head and neck move slightly from side to side.
* Slow and steady: Their walking pace is usually slow and steady, making them appear somewhat lumbering.
Running:
* Increased pace: When they run, their gait becomes faster and more coordinated.
* Increased stride length: They increase the length of each stride, allowing them to cover more ground quickly.
* Head and tail movements: As they run, their heads and tails may bob and sway, helping with balance.
* Short sprints: While they can run for short distances, they are not known for their long-distance running ability. They're built for grazing and maintaining a steady pace.
* "Gallop" or "Canter": While cattle don't have a true gallop like horses, they can achieve a faster running style resembling a canter, with a distinct rhythm.
Interesting Facts:
* Hooves: Cattle have cloven hooves, meaning each foot is split into two toes. This gives them good traction on various terrains.
* Muscles: They have powerful leg muscles that help propel them forward, especially during runs.
* Flight response: Cattle tend to be more flight-oriented, preferring to run away from perceived threats rather than stand and fight.
Observation:
Watching cattle move in a pasture can be quite entertaining. Their unique gait and body language make them intriguing animals to study.