A quiet bull is the most dangerous bull

It is estimated that a third of all farm accidents (fatal and non-fatal) involve livestock. While many are associated with the handling of bulls, most accidents occur during routine tasks such as herding, loading, drenching, vaccinating, testing and handling cows at calving.

Injury rate for various enterprises (Teagasc, National Farm Survey, 2011)

According to the Health and Safety Authorities ‘Farm Safety Action Plan 2016-2018’, farms with ‘dairying’ (11%), ‘dairying and other livestock’ (12.9%) and ‘sheep’ (10.9%) all reported higher rates of injury than ‘sucklers’ (6.1%), ‘drystock’ (6.1%) and ‘tillage’ farms (6.7%).

Tragically many people are either seriously gored or killed in bull attacks every year. The bull by nature is a powerful animal with a high testosterone level and this makes him extremely dangerous. If he gets excited or upset in any manner, he is likely to turn from a quiet bull into a beast. “Always treat a bull with respect”.

Golden Rules to minimise the danger caused by a bull?

• Never turn your back on a bull.
• Only let experienced people handle a bull.
• Never get in an enclosed area with a bull.
• Never tease a bull.
• From an early age the bull should learn to associate the presence of people with pleasant things, such as feeding, grooming and exercise, however, don’t make a “pet” of him.
• Make sure that the bull is dehorned.
• Always put a nose ring and chain on a bull. The ring should be introduced at 10 months and checked regularly.
• Make sure that you have proper housing and handling facilities for the bull. A proper bull pen is advisable.
• When inspecting or moving the herd, handlers should be prepared to encounter the bull’s natural tendency to protect the herd; a tractor or suitable farm vehicle should always be provided as a mobile sanctuary.
• Dispose of an aggressive bull for slaughter.
• Put up warning signs at the entrance to the bulls enclosure. (BEWARE OF BULL)
• Avoid having a bull in a field near the roadway or in a field that people have a right of way to if possible.

Remember that ”a quiet bull is the most dangerous bull”.

Cows with calves will be protective and potentially dangerous. Many farmers have suffered serious injuries while attending cows at or post calving. Suckler cows can be more aggressive. Farmers should ensure that all livestock are handled in a safe manner and that safe handling facilities are always used.

Golden Rules in Handling Cows and Calves

• When calving cows, ensure that you are on your guard in the event of an unpredictable cow or heifer. Be wary of being crushed, kicked, or attacked.
• Use safe and secure handling facilities, calving gates where possible.
• When handling newly born calves ensure the calf is between you and the cow and have a rapid exit.
• The presence of small children may unnerve a newly calved cow and cause her to attack the farmer or child.
• Beware of the presence of a dog or other small animal likewise.
• Newly calved cows and heifers can be unsettled and stressed in the milking parlour for the first couple of days, and can cause injury.

Watch out for danger signs with cattle

The demeanour of cattle usually tells of their state of arousal because of this it is essential that you watch out for danger signs:

• Head and Tail Positions
• Bellowing
• Pawing the ground
• All Bulls
• All Cows with calves at foot
• Suckler animals (these animals are not used to regular handling so care must be taken)
• All highly aroused cattle
• Horned cattle

Golden Rules in Handling Cattle

• Use well designed facilities (an investment in your safety). Facilities should include a suitable cattle crush, sculling gate and calving gate.
• Make sure the handlers are experienced, competent and sufficiently agile for the class of livestock being handled.
• Be always vigilant and aware of the risks.
• Watch for warning signs of animal aggressiveness, especially in bulls and newly calved cows.
• Cull fractious and difficult cattle as soon as possible.
• Work out an escape route or refuge in advance of working with livestock.
• Ensure bulls are fitted with a nose ring and chain.
• Disbud calves early to prevent horn growth.
• Use bulls that produce docile offspring.
• Keep children away from livestock.
• Keep dogs away from livestock unless they are specifically trained to herd animals.
• Particular care should be taken when loading animals. Animals are stressed and can kick out or attack the handlers

First Published 28 July 2017