The “Babysitter Cow” Theory

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Little mounds of bovine babies scatter the landscape.  There’s an ear twitch here and a buck over there.  Through it all, a feeling of secure contentment prevails.  Amidst the new life is a figure of knowledge.  This is “babysitter cow.”  How does this female become the solo savior of the calves? 
 
“It just seems like the last one left there nursing her calf, just by default,” says Nancy Okerman, “is the one that ends up being the babysitter cow.”   As a rancher in Miles City, Montana, Okerman has spent several decades observing the phenomena.  She has her theories as to why it happens.
 
Speaking from observation, she says that cows will often let their calves nurse and then, as they sleepily bed down, wander off to graze or get water.  The scenario shifts from meal time to last cow standing.  “I think it’s instinct for them not to leave all those calves alone to be susceptible to coyotes or other predators,” theorized Okerman.
 
Along with the cow’s instinct, a calf’s instinct also plays in.  Should they be out on a calf excursion and become disoriented, a calf’s instinct is to go to the last place that it had contact with or nursed from its mother.  With or without mama there, this is likely that place with other calves bedded down and babysitter cow watching over.
 
What do you think?  Have your own theories about babysitter cows?  Feel free to share below!
 
 

© Haylie Shipp 2015

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Cliff Souza

My wife grew up on a ranch by Monterey ca and I noticed this routine with mom and calf. How do they communicate with each other it boggles the mind to see it happening. Angus or Hereford they all do it. How do they figure which cow will baby sit?good article thanks Mr souza

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