In June 2019 we had a visit from The Dick Vet Farm Animal Practice, who came out to perform our Highland Cow vet check. A few feet were trimmed, all the horns were checked and were good and some blood samples taken for a study. Some vet students also attended to watch, as part of their studies, getting out and about seeing veterinary care being carried out. Our cattle were herded down from the hills into our cattle holding area, then one at a time each cow was moved into a mobile ‘cattle-crush’. This is a piece of essential equipment that cattle farmers and vets use that comfortably and safely keeps the cattle still whilst procedures carried out. It prevents the cattle from escaping and injuring themselves (or people!) and stops them from swinging their heads (which is not ideal with those big horns!) and prevents them from kicking us or the vet (which can break legs). The whole procedure is done in a quiet and calm manor, meaning the cattle remain relaxed and don’t get stressed. We do find it amusing that our Coos seem to take an interest in ‘who’s next’ and stand around watching. Once they’ve all been checked, they get released again and they wander off, quietly moo-ing to each other (head count!) and swishing their tails as they disappear back into their hills.
