A Missouri woman named Jane Heisey died on her family farm recently.  (Click for Info).  She was ear tagging  a calf when the mother cow knocked her to the ground and stepped on her head.

Most farmers take precautions when working with bulls.  Interactions with aggressive bulls is a source of injuries and occasional fatalities on livestock farms.

It is important to remember that mother cows can also be a source of injuries.  This usually happens when a protective mother views her calf to be threatened and becomes aggressive.  This is usually precipitated by a regular management practice such as ear tagging or castration.  These kinds of injuries can be avoided by taking precautions.  1. Do not get between the mother and her calf.  2. Bring another person along to stand guard if there is a concern.  3. Some animals are more aggressive than others.  Identify these and separate for special work.  4. Cull problem animals.  5. Select cattle known to be less aggressive.  Most bull studs have docility scores for the bull semen that they market.  Select those known to produce less aggressive offspring.

For more information, please see the fact sheet link:    North Dakota State Factsheet about Ornery Cows