Cattle Temperament and Productivity

Calm cattle are easier to work and they are also better for your ranches overall productivity and profitability. According to a recent Oregon State University study a calm weaned calf showed a $27 increase per head compared to their aggressive counterpart. Once the cattle were finished, their carcass value was $49 more per head. The same study also shows the aggressive cows had reduced pregnancy rates. 

There are multiple factors that play a role in cattle temperament and docility. Environmental, management and breed selection to name a few. 

Environmental

Cattle with little human interaction, such as those raised in an extensive range-based system, can be more aggressive or flighty. Such traits might be necessary for survival and are inherited by the non forgiving terrain.  Increasing human contact with these cattle can improve handling and temperament. Intensive grazing or just spending time in the range with your cattle may lead to more docility. 

Management

There is a lot of research out there that supports low-stress cattle handling. There are many ways a producers can improve livestock handling and techniques. Implementing these changes can provide a high return on investment. $125 in labor per cow is a good benchmark, which means each person would need to manage 400 cows. Start using low-stress handling when the cattle are young, they'll get used to being worked correctly and the process is less stressful in the future.  

Breed Selection

Most cattle breeds have made improvements in docility and temperament. Cull heavy on non-desirable traits and be selective on bulls. Temperament is a moderately heritable trait. A lot of bull producers provide docility EPDs.  

It can be hard to be objective when evaluating our own systems and cattle handling. There are many ways a producer can access knowledge to improve cattle handling. There are clinics and demonstrations, books, online videos and experts to consult.