Goats VS Cattle

[res]

Our Dexter bull wasn't aggressive, but he had been handled since birth. The more you can handle them when they are young, and continue to handle them as they age, the more predictable their temperament can be. I still wouldn't ever let my guard down around our bull, but I was pretty comfortable that he wasn't going to charge me unprovoked. Certain breeds of bull are more aggressive than others, and I think I would rank Dexters as extremely calm compared to other breeds.

I would never put myself in a small space with a bull (or even a large cow) without an escape route. And just like horses, cattle have pretty clear body language, so if you "read" that it can help avoid situations...

The *ONLY* time I ever had an issue with a bull involved a mature beast of a Hereford bull. We were loading the herd into trailers to move to a new pasture, and it was getting dark. I was in the pen, really pushing the herd to get going into the chute and get loaded. There was an extremely in-heat cow in the herd, and the bull wanted to put the moves on her RIGHT NOW. He was severely ****** at me for interupting his evening. That has been the only time I ever felt in danger around a bull...

 

[salt and pepper]

Our Dexter bull wasn't aggressive, but he had been handled since birth. The more you can handle them when they are young, and continue to handle them as they age, the more predictable their temperament can be. I still wouldn't ever let my guard down around our bull, but I was pretty comfortable that he wasn't going to charge me unprovoked. Certain breeds of bull are more aggressive than others, and I think I would rank Dexters as extremely calm compared to other breeds.

I would never put myself in a small space with a bull (or even a large cow) without an escape route. And just like horses, cattle have pretty clear body language, so if you "read" that it can help avoid situations...

The *ONLY* time I ever had an issue with a bull involved a mature beast of a Hereford bull. We were loading the herd into trailers to move to a new pasture, and it was getting dark. I was in the pen, really pushing the herd to get going into the chute and get loaded. There was an extremely in-heat cow in the herd, and the bull wanted to put the moves on her RIGHT NOW. He was severely ****** at me for interupting his evening. That has been the only time I ever felt in danger around a bull...

Thank you!

 

[RoyalT]

I had goats, they were much more work than my yak herd. Yak are the bison of Asia, much smarter than Bos taurus cattle. They also have far more uses than any other animal I've come across. Ride, Pack, Pull - Meat, Milk, Wool (fiber). They are like giant goats without the 'jump on everything' gene. They browse and graze, and they are very sure-footed. Love 'em

 

[salt and pepper]

I had goats, they were much more work than my yak herd. Yak are the bison of Asia, much smarter than Bos taurus cattle. They also have far more uses than any other animal I've come across. Ride, Pack, Pull - Meat, Milk, Wool (fiber). They are like giant goats without the 'jump on everything' gene. They browse and graze, and they are very sure-footed. Love 'em

I've heard that yaks are nice, but where I live, it would be near impossible to get one. =(

 

[RoyalT]

Yeah... they are awesome, but really prefer the cold. I know some people have tried raising them in the warmer areas, but you lose out on fiber production and they can get pretty miserable that way.

 

[salt and pepper]

I've finally narrowed it down. I like goats, but my family hates them, so that's out. I want something for dairy, and maybe raise a steer for meat, So I'm thinking a dexter or mini jersey. How much care is required? Also how much land per cow? Are hills a problem? Which breed do you prefer? Thanks for the help!