Bovine

Handling of Bovines

Bovines are relatively easy to halter train. Be careful when working around bovines - although not usually aggressive, they are very strong, and can injure someone by their normal range of motion (such as swinging their head to the side to swat at buzzing flies). Be aware of where they are stepping so there aren't any accidentally crushed feet.

Generally, severe restraint is not needed with bovines. Instead, halter train the bovine and use halters regularly for grooming and Beastcrafter check-ups to get the bovine accustomed to being handled. If restraint is needed, a bovine can be steered into the hinged end of a gate and then "squeezed" in between the gate and the fence (it is helpful to have an assistant, so one can lead the bovine and one can work the gate.) Then tie the bovine's halter to a heavy post to prevent them from backing up. Some bovines will allow handling without using the squeeze gate method, and just haltering is often sufficent for many care needs. By brushing a bovine and running hands over their bodies and legs, they will become accustomed to being handled, leading to less stressful handling in the future.

Health Care for Bovines

Maintenance

• Bovines are relatively easy to take care of - sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Regular brushing will help keep a bovine's skin and hair healthy. Proper hoof care is also important; a Beastcrafter can examine a bovine's hooves to determine if they need trimming. Hoof trimming should always be done by a Beastcrafter to avoid injury to the bovine and owner unless the owner or individual appointed has been adequately trained. During daily contact with bovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include listlessness, pale coloring, limping, loss of appetite, coughing, or abnormal temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a Beastcrafter immediately.

Calf Care

• Calves should be kept on the mother's milk for 5-6 months. Always watch a calf for scouring (diarrhea). If this occurs, decrease (but do not eliminate) the amount of milk. At three sevendays of age, calves should begin eating crushed grain and hay. If the calf is not interested in the grain, blend some into the milk to get him or her accustomed to the taste.

Common health problems

• Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or lush pastures. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible and slowly adjust bovines to new pasture by bringing them some of the pasture for a few days. Then, turn them out for only a few candlemarks at a time. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, groaning, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.

• Foot Rot - Foot rot is an infection of the hoof. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. The first symptom of foot rot is usually lameness. Check the hoof for signs of swelling or pus, and consult a Beastcrafter for treatment. The risk of foot rot is greatly minimized by proper hoof care. Muddy areas in pasture and rough walk areas can contribute to hoof damage and should, therefore, be avoided.

• Lung Problems - Coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite are all possible symptoms of a possible lung problems. Consult a Beastcrafter if any of these symptoms are noticed.

• Eye Problems - Check bovines daily for signs of eye problems. Symptoms include discolored or cloudy eyes, unusual discharges, and swelling. Contact a Beastcrafter immediately if signs of an eye infection are found.

Nutritional Needs for Bovines

• Water

Clean, fresh water must always be available to bovines. A mature animal will generally consume between 10 and 20 gallons a day, so be sure to use a container large enough to hold that quantity. Water needs increase with hot weather.

• Feed

Bovines are ruminants (animals with stomachs that have 4 chambers) and consequently, rely mainly on hay or pasture for their dietary needs. Grain is very high in energy, and therefore not recommended for use with healthy bovines.

Pasture should be of a good quality & plentiful as it provides the bulk of bovine dietary needs. Before pasturing, be sure to remove all plants that are poisonous to bovines. Contact a Farmcrafter for a complete listing of poisonous plants known in the area. If adequate pasture is not available, hay will need to be supplemented. Adult bovines need 2 lbs of hay per 100 lbs of body weight daily. If feeding bovines outdoors, place hay under cover to prevent wet feed - a costly and unhealthy problem. To locate a source of hay in the area, check with a local Farmcrafter for farm/cotholders who could supply the hay.

Shelter Requirements for Bovines

• Building

Bovine shelters, or stables, do not need to be elaborate, but must be waterproof. Depending on the location climate, only a three-sided structure may be needed with the open side facing away from the prevailing winds. With a totally enclosed barn, be sure it is well ventilated. This is extremely important for both hot and cold weather. If the barn is much over 50 degrees in the cold weather, humidity from urine, manure and body moisture may rise and can cause lung ailments. Allow at least 35 to 40 square feet for each animal. Always provide bovines with plenty of clean, dry straw for bedding. Remove damp and soiled straw daily, replacing it with fresh straw.

• Fencing

Sturdy fencing and secure gates are a must for bovines. Fencing should be built strong, eight to ten feet between posts, and approximately four feet high.