How to Handle a Wild Cow

Wild or flighty cattle can be dangerous, especially when they are bigger. This is common in first calf dairy heifers that are adjusting to life in the milking herd. Moving them can be difficult, especially in areas that they have room to turn around. A handler must try to limit as much stress on the animal as possible, including loud noises or sudden motions around it. The handler should also have an escape place, particularly in tight areas, to get out of dangerous situations.

Things You'll Need

  • Gates
  • Plastic stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide as much lighting as possible in the area the cow will be moved. Cows are easily spooked by shadows because of poor depth perception. Remove any objects that cast a shadow on the ground.

    • 2

      Quell as much background noise as possible. For example, unplug any fans, as their sounds and flickering light may spook a wild cow.

    • 3

      Set up gates. There are many places and situations a cow can be moved, but, if possible, use gates to guide it to its destination. The gates should start wide and narrow toward the truck or pen, not giving it space to turn around. Make sure the gates are secured, because if the cow bumps them and they fall down it will panic more and be harder to handle. Solid sides or shoots are best, because the cow cannot see through them, but many farmers may not have access to mobile shoots.

    • 4

      Walk behind the cow slowly, both you and a partner, until you enter its flight zone. The flight zone is the space around the cow that, if entered, would compel it to move. Wild cows tend to have large flight zones. Both you and your partner should be at opposite sides of the cow at 45-degree angles to it back to ensure you are not in its blind zone. Walk slowly with your hands up, carrying plastic sticks.

    • 5

      Anticipate the cow's movements when it tries to turn around by putting your hands up and blocking it. Make vocal sounds, but do not yell at it. Use the plastic stick to touch it and guide its movements when it is close enough, but do not aggressively hit it, as this will increase its stress and make it more difficult to handle. Avoid getting directly behind it because it may kick. Use the stick to make contact with the cow without getting into range of its hind legs. Patiently guide it into the gates by staying just inside its flight zone.