“Safety When Working With Bulls”
by Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist
As breeding season rolls around there is an acute need to be reminded of the potential dangers when handling cattle, especially bulls.
First and foremost, hand-raised bulls do not have the same timidity of humans as those raised by their dam. These bulls view humans as their equal and constantly have the potential to become aggressive toward their handler. This is not new information, only a plea to take exceptional caution and give these bulls a wide berth.
Second, time should be taken to thoroughly inspect and repair all working facilities. The same facilities which successfully handled last season’s calves through weaning or even the cows at preg check may be sufficiently worn or stressed that the larger, stronger, and more aggressive bulls may push the system beyond its limits. An extra day of maintenance could prove a great investment if human or animal injury is prevented and the time and inconvenience of escaped bulls is avoided.
Third, take age into account when working with mature cattle. As the body ages, several things happen: response time slows, vision diminishes, and healing time is extended. At 18 the body is still nimble enough to quickly dash out of harm’s way; with advancing age, the need to plan for, avoid, and prevent dangerous situations increases. A mishap at 18 or 20 resulting in a muscle pull, a sprain, or even a broken bone will heal much more rapidly and permanently than the same injury after 50.
Take extra time this breeding season to slow down and consider the safety of both the livestock and their handlers; think through limitations posed by the animals, the facilities, and yourself.
