The Amazing Intelligence Of The Cow
The advantages of living on a farm is spending time in the cow pasture with my Dad. It was one of my most favorite pastimes, because I got to see all the amazing creatures such as the bulls, baby calves and mothers of different colors. It was surprising the way they knew my dad when it was time to eat. When he called, they came running like obedient children coming to the dinner table.
My Dad was his own personal veterinarian. I was there when he assisted with the birth of calves, I helped when he wormed the cows, and I helped when he tagged and numbered them. His cows stayed healthy because he cared for each one of them. It was so much fun being there and seeing all of this.
There was one scary incidence I had while out in the pasture. We were chasing cows in a pen. As you know, you have to keep the group running together or else you won’t get them penned. I was running behind getting them all to go in. Instead of them all going in, they all turned around to come back. I can’t begin to tell you the feelings I had seeing they were all turned around facing me now.
I didn’t know what to do. I just FROZE right in my steps! The cows came back toward me full speed ahead. They ran to each side of me, and I was just standing there in the middle, feeling the brisk wind from their passing. After they passed, my dad came and got me and took me to the truck. He whispered in my ear, “I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you”! He said, “stay in the truck”! I never ran cows again.
Here are some cool things I learned about cows and their intelligence:
- If they ever chase you, remain calm, don’t run, but walk away quickly to where you are going. Most likely they will leave you alone. If you try to run, they will outrun you. They can run 17 MPH or more.
- They know when you are around because they can smell your scent about 6 miles away.
- They can see in the dark or when only the moon and stars are out, because they have a special reflecting system inside, so don’t think you won’t be seen at night.
- When they Moo- (I thought they do that just because they are cows) but when they do, they are stressed or hungry, missing their babies, want to mate, or warning the others of potential danger from intruders. So be aware when they start to Moo. You are warned!
Cows are sensitive intelligent creatures. They are great to have around too. There’s nothing like driving around in the pasture to explore the beauty of the animal creation. What experiences have you had? Drop me a line!