Working together to reduce cattle lameness

Herding

Rushing cows when herding means they are unable to see where to place their feet and therefore cannot avoid risks on tracks or yard surfaces.

If cows are pushed up or rushed by the herdsperson subordinate cows will be reluctant to pass other more dominant cows especially if the track is too narrow.

Pushing up the cows at the rear of the herd will not influence the speed of the rest of the cows. Rushing these cows could prevent them from placing their feet correctly on uneven ground and cause increased lameness. Try keeping the slow cows in a separate group in a nearby building or paddock so there is no temptation to rush them along the track.