Cattle and chattels share a common origin word. Everyone I know refers to them as cows - even if they are bulls or steers (or oxen for that matter).
These ones are steers.
I always thought Belted Galloways (black fore and aft, white in the middle) were small cattle. These ones are full sized.
Fergus loves chasing livestock and from our side of the road was longing to do so. However these ones across the road are so in love with dogs according their owners that they amble towards a dog rather than away from it. Up close Fergus was most disconcerted and sat looking steadfastly in the other direction.
They gathered at the fence huffing and blowing, carefully testing the scents in the air - so gentle and so curious. Keen to look at the small dog who was getting decidedly uncomfortable by this stage - uncharacteristically quiet.
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| Aren't they shiny? |
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| They have tremendous eyelashes! |
Years ago, working in forestry beside a paddock of Hereford cattle (red coats with curly white faces) we convinced a townie trainee that he should go into the middle of the paddock and lie down with his eyes closed. It might have been a dare.
Imagine his reaction when he felt the breath of a couple of dozen curious cattle beasts who had quietly gathered to examine the strange apparition in their paddock and opened his eyes to a dozen wet drooling bovine muzzles inches from his prone form.
It probably was a silly dare given the stampede he set off with his yelling but it was a great example of the how the curiosity of domestic cattle (even those way way out in the backwoods) will bring them close to humans who have the patience to sit still.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteYes, I get quite frustrated at the use of 'cows' when cattle is the correct term. Even townies surely can tell when a cow is not a cow but a bull. They can be forgiven for not knowing between a steer and heifer, but ought to at least know if they don't know, and that cattle is the better option.... and whuffing and sniffing in steers is a security mechanism which could be a precurser to charge. Watch for dropping heads and lifting hooves... Fergus did well to take up the non-challenge stance!
Belted Galloways are possibly my most favourite cattle after the Highlands. Yes, they are standard size, although there is a strain of 'miniatures' - as there is with Highlands and some other breeds. Quite why humans feel the need to alter breeds like that I can't quite understand - but there's no denying they are cute! YAM xx
They are beautiful, curious creatures.
ReplyDeleteI remember waking up one morning back in our old house to find two cows standing on our patio with their noses pressed to the windows looking in, and leaving drool all over the glass. They had somehow broken through the hedge from the farm across the road and wandered through our neighbour's garden, through our hedge and all across our boggy lawn to climb the steps up to our patio. There were very deep divots all across the lawn that we had to fill, but it did make us laugh.
Cattle are inquisitive beasts. I saw a wonderful video clip of a human caressing a cow and the cow responding like an oversized dog. Fergus learnt something new - things aren't always what they seem to be.
ReplyDeleteI have four pot Galloway cows that used to be my dad's. They are a very hardy breed and come from Scotland and can live outside all winter.
ReplyDeleteCurious cows are delightful. Especially when they're over the fence! Lovely rural photos. And memories
ReplyDeleteI love cows, the faces draw me towards them.. the first ones are really shiny and beautiful. I love the lashes. I have been know to plant a kiss on the forehead of cows. many times. also a donkey and horse.
ReplyDeleteThis is why you get cows leaning on your tent when you're camping!
ReplyDeleteI adore cows, they are so gentle, I've seen ones that are very curious about humans but can't say I've seen them being friendly towards dogs.
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