Did you know that a hair whorl, or the position thereof, can be indicative of a cow’s temperament? According to studies conducted by Cornell University and Temple Grandin, a world-renowned bovine behavioralist, it is suggested that the placement of the hair whorl on a cow’s face determines whether they are more likely to have a calmer disposition or not. According to Dr. Grandin’s study, if the whorl is below the eyes they are found to be calmer in novel conditions like an auction or feedlot and more anxious or temperamental if the whorl was found to be above the eyeline. Temperament and disposition can be passed down genetically, which is why it is so important to keep maternal cows that have a calmer disposition because they will raise calmer calves that go on to grow better than their anxious counterparts.
Why does this matter to ranchers?
Not only does it increase safety in the workplace, but it also transfers to increased feed conversion throughout their life. If the cattle are naturally calmer, they have a higher chance of responding well in stressful or new situations like moving pastures, weaning, and vaccination procedures. A steer that is naturally “flighty” or “high-headed” tends to not gain as well as others because they may run away from the feed wagon, scatter and run when they are being moved, and can experience what we call “shrink” when in necessary, but stressful, situations like routine vaccinations or transportation. Shrink refers to the amount of weight lost in a short period of time due to stress.
As stewards of these animals, it is in our best interest to keep the cattle as calm as possible and limit any stressors they may experience. Through the Beef Quality Assurance program, we maintain a certification for “low stress handling,” a methodology that prioritizes the well-being of the animal by working in harmony with their natural instincts. By fostering a calm environment and utilizing intuitive handling techniques, we ensure a safer experience for our team and a higher standard of life for our cattle.
