More cows! part 2

The Divine Bovines part 2!

Cows kick.

Ever heard of a cow kick?

Yup, they kick out to the side, opposed to horses who kick to the rear. 

( Though, some horses can "cow kick" too.)

So, convenient for when your farmer is trying to milk you. 

Milking takes place at the cow's side.

A dairy cow can produce 6 to 7 gallons of milk a day.

That takes a lot of energy, to make so they eat about 100 lbs of food a day as well.
About 40,000 calories.

There are about 350 " pulls" of a teat in a gallon of milk.

Cattle need vitamins and minerals.

They love salt and sweets, just like us. 

This is not all they need to be healthy though.

They are given mineral blocks, these look like multi-colored bricks. 

They lick them (more licking) to adsorb nutrients they need.

I am sure to give my cattle bricks with selenium, because this is very good for them, especially when they're pregnant.

Cattle Products.
you probably see "Cattle products" and think, "dairy, beef, and leather."
well, yes but there are many more uses of products from bovines than that.
In fact, you probably have some part of a bovine in your house, on your skin, and in your bathroom. Cattle parts are used for:
skin lotions.

 makeup.

Insulation.

Air filters.

Gelatin.

Adhesives.

Medication.

Fuel.

Fertilizer.

Chewing gum.

Instrument strings.

Plastic.

Just to name a few.

check out the full list here.

Everything-But-the-Moo-Cow

Some cattle, have horns, some don't.

This can be because of the breed. 

Also by removing the horns.

A breed of bovine that is hornless is called, polled.

As in Polled Hereford.

Naturally hornless.

Cattle can be dangerous.

Cattle cause more injuries every year than sharks.

This does not mean you should be afraid of them, it just means you should leave them be and not try to tip them over.

They are naturally cautious of strangers.

So, unless you know them, leave them to their ruminating.

Cattle talk.

Well, not the way you think.

They do a lot more than just moo.

They bellow, and grunt, and groan.

They cry and snort, and sneeze

A farmer can tell what's going on with the noises the herd is making.

They are pretty good watchdogs too.

Cattle can see as well at night as a cat can.

When grazing they can 360 degrees around them. 

The only blind spot they have is directly in front and behind them.

(This is true for horses too)

Bovines are great!

Our world would not be the same without them. 

In my opinion on they do not get the respect they deserve.

Daisy knows how awesome she is.
I tell her every day.