 Animal Behaviour |
15 Oct 08 |
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2farm.co.nz |
Animals & Their Behaviour
Deer, sheep, goat and cattle belong to an ungulate (hoofed group called artiodactyla (cloven hoof) The origins of this group date back more
than 40 million years. Their features evolved, and adapted for living on open grassland.
This digestion also altered, presumably so they could survive on the available low grade feed. (mainly cellulose)
RuminantiaThis group also belong to the group called Ruminantia:
Ruminantia have one stomach which has 4 partitions:- Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, & Abomasum.
Their ruminant digestion allows them to swallow down their feed when they are grazing, and later regurgitating, and chew their cud. These warm blooded mammals are in fact "beasts of prey".
For their survival:
The position of their eyes gives them a far greater field of vision than ours. Ideal for spotting danger, and as group animals they can see that all is well and normal within their herd, or flock.
Their hoof design actually enables them to "walk on their toes". It gives their legs the extra length, and therefore the extra speed.
Their ruminant digestion allowed them to graze out in the open, where they could easily be seen by predators.
Under cover, or shade, and out of danger they could relax, and chew their cud.
Their young can manage to stand, and walk, very soon after they're born.
These animals depend on smell for safety, and smell is necessary for their reproduction. They may recognize their young firstly by smell, but as mother and offspring are familiar with each other, they recognize each other by sight.
In a group there are a few hierarchy battles.
They fight with their heads. This could be anything from a bunt, to a full blown battle with antlers as in stags fighting for dominance.
Learning about your animals?:
Sheep, cattle, deer and goats are all gregarious, meaning they naturally live together in flocks or herds. In the wild, being in a group meant protection.
These animals were "beasts of prey" and, if caught, they would be eaten. To help these animals survive, they have a greater field of vision than humans.
As they graze they are aware of movements to the side of them. As you study them, they'll be studying you. As a group they would have grazed out in the open, and then retreated to safety to "chew their cud". Cows move away from a herd if ill, or about to calve.
For the 1st time farmer:
The easiest and most pleasant way to learn about your animals is by feeding them. (Letting them into a fresh paddock, or feeding hay.) They begin to associate you, and your noises with pleasure. This is a great opportunity to study your stock.
Animals appreciate routine:
Your animals may start assembling at the gate as soon as they hear you approaching, and you'll soon learn to have the gates prepared before you open the paddock they're in.
Some cows may entertain you by kicking up of their heels once they get to a generous fresh paddock.
If cattle are really hungry, they'll call out.
The boss animal: That's you: Cattle certainly respond best to a farmer who is confident and consistent.
Unstressed animals grow faster. Some animals appreciate a bit of petting.
Different breeds of animals have very different temperaments. Remember that these animals can remember unpleasant experiences for quite a long time.
Studying their behaviour is important, and this is especially so when mating cattle.
The mounting of each other when cows are on heat is natures way of attracting the attention of a nearby bull.
Hopefully NOT your neighbours bull.
Animals love eating:Goats sheep and cattle can be crafty, and downright determined about getting to some tasty pasture.
Many a cattle farmer has suddenly learnt that those gate hooks can be flipped upwards by a cows tongue. (Jerseys have a reputation for doing just that.)
I have heard of sheep who can open gates. Perhaps there are advantages in making sure your gate catches are animal proof.
Some animals will endure the "kick" of a gentle electric fence to get to that lush grass, while others have a great respect for fences.
Animals and odours:
Pheromones, (a sexual attractant) play a huge role in the reproduction of cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. A newly calved animal recognises her calf by smell at first, until she recognizes it visually. Smell, possibly warns them not to eat certain foods.
The odour of cattle blood can start some very strange behaviour. Cattle will behave in a very agitated and excited way. They will moo a lot. It is important to thoroughly remove any blood from treatment areas. We may not notice the blood, but your animals may.
Noises: These animals will be comfortable with every day noises, but sudden loud noises may scare your animals.
Source
www.2farm.co.nz
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