TCFA Feedyard Technician Certification Practice Test

Why is it difficult to get cattle to turn away from you?

1. They have poor vision

2. They are naturally curious

3. Their predator/prey instinct

4. They follow the herd

The correct answer is: Their predator/prey instinct

Cattle have a strong predator/prey instinct that influences their behavior significantly. As prey animals, they are naturally inclined to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. When faced with a perceived threat, such as a human approaching them, their instinct often drives them to face the potential danger rather than turn away. This instinct is a survival mechanism that helps them keep an eye on predators and react quickly to escape if necessary. While factors like vision and herd behavior play a role in cattle management, the core reason for their difficulty in turning away is rooted in their evolutionary history as prey. Cattle will typically position themselves to maintain visibility of their surroundings as part of their instinctual response to threats, making it challenging for them to turn away from a person approaching them. The curiosity of cattle can sometimes lead them to investigate rather than flee, and while they do tend to follow the herd, this behavior does not primarily explain their tendency to not turn away. The instinctual response to maintain awareness of potential danger is the primary reason for their behavior in this context.