Before venturing in among stock, take a good look from a safe distance at how they are behaving.  A safe distance is ALWAYS outside the gate.

Check things look normal before you go into the paddock – and if you’re not sure what normal is, err on the side of caution.   Don’t forget stock don’t care the title deed is in your name – the paddock they are in is their territory. 

How the stock feel about their territory will depend on a lot of things including their age, their sex, how many are in the paddock, how much human handling they have had, and sometimes how the wind is blowing.  This is not to say that all animals are unpredictable and dangerous – simply that you must take care when you enter a paddock with your stock. 

Isolation is one of the biggest stress factors for animals of all kinds, so be especially careful of any animal on its own.

CATTLE

Bulls in particular should be considered potentially dangerous, especially when they get old and territorial. Old bulls might be slower to move but remember they can all go from zero to fast in a matter of seconds and they are much heavier than you are – so chances are they are going to be the winner if you get into an awkward situation. 

Dairy stock are usually easy to handle by virtue of being milked daily. Beef cows normally hide their very young calves in a crèche when they are away from them grazing. The cows may panic if they see you as a threat, and especially if a calf starts blaring.

Note the reaction of all stock when you approach them – are they in flight or fight mode?  Are they curious about you or keen to get away from you?  If you suspect they are being aggressive or are going to be aggressive, back off and seek help.

DANGER SIGNS

• Rushing towards you with head lowered and pawing the ground.
• Standing facing you with head bobbing up and down.
• Roaring with saliva dribbling from the mouth.
• Snorting with and mucous flying from their nostrils.
• Large protruding eyes with the white parts very obvious.
• A side-on stance with one eye looking at you and head ready for a side-swipe shown by bulls.
• Tail raised and swishing, and defecating profusely.