Aggressive Behaviour of Livestock Animals
Signs of Aggression in Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Pigs
Sep 11, 2009
Many animals have been domesticated for human use, some for companionship like the dog, some for food such as cows, others for clothes like the sheep and goat, and others for work animals or for entertainment such as draft horses and racehorses.
Types of Aggression Seen in Livestock Animals
Here are some reasons why livestock animals may become aggressive:
- Pain Induced – An animal gets aggressive when in pain, particularly if someone tries to touch the painful area.
- Maternal Aggression – Most female domesticated animals are protective of their young and wary of strangers coming near.
- Territorial Aggression – While horses may share a feeding site, they retain control of their home range. Female rabbits are very territorial in captivity. They will attack a male rabbit put into her cage, so for mating purposes, the female is taken to the buck's cage.
- Intermale Aggression – This can occur between stud animals, particularly boars.
- Sexually Induced Aggression – Females in estrus have been known to fight.
- Dominance Aggression – Species housed in groups develop as hierarchy. Even horses have a ‘pecking order’.
Aggression in Horses
Horses aren’t known for their aggressive behaviour, however, a mare will be protective of her foal and stallions with brood mares may be aggressive towards other males. Lunging forward and biting, striking out with front legs and kicking with back legs are signs of aggression in horses.
It is unwise to approach a horse from the back as this can startle a horse. Horses will analyze a situation or person and will show signs such as having its tail elevated and its legs poised ready to run. A startled horse may let out a snort, which is a signal to other horses to get ready to run.
Aggression in Cattle
With cattle it is the bull that is of concern. Pawing the ground with forefeet and snorting while holding its head up are signs of aggressive behaviour. An aggressive bull will knock down a person and continue to knock him down or toss him about which could result in being gored if the bull has horns.
Aggressive behaviour in the heifer is more related to breed and socialization. Cows that are handled frequently, such as dairy cows, are usually docile. It is the cows that aren’t handled regularly, such as beef cattle, particularly in large herds, that may become aggressive.
The cattle fight or flight response varies considerably on how often they are handled. A herd of dairy cows will veer away if a human gets into their personal space, however, ranch cattle are more likely to run to get further away from the encroaching human.
Once cattle are running, they are difficult to herd. Cattle consider whips and staffs as an extension of the human body so using a whip or staff gives the herder more control because the cattle are calmer as they consider the whip or staff a barrier.
Aggression in Sheep
Intermale aggression in rams can result in serious injury or even fatalities due to head butting. Aggressive rams are difficult to handle and they have no qualms about butting humans. Herding a flock of sheep is easy for a trained sheepdog because sheep move together when approached. Sheep dogs control their posture and distance and are able to maneuver the sheep wherever necessary.
Aggression in Pigs
Domestic pigs that are strangers to each other will circle, and then make jaw snapping sounds and barking grunts. Fighting consists of sideways pushing and slashing with tusks and may result in serious injury. Hierarchies are established in groups of pigs.
Sows being introduced to an established pack are at risk of being attacked and killed. A sow with her littler is very dangerous and capable of killing a person. Sows should be removed before handling unweaned pigs. Pigs, especially young pigs, will huddle together to avoid strangers if they feel fearful, even climbing over one another.
When dealing with any livestock animal, care should be taken and animal handlers should be adequately trained to avoid personal injury and causing stress to the animal.
Resource and further reading:
McCurin, D, 1994, ‘Restraint and Handling of Animals’ in Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians,3rd edition, ed. W.B Saunders Company, Pennsylvania, chapter 1.
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