Now that my loving husband has fixed my wireless keyboard (thank you love) I can write again. It got low on batteries so I put four new ones in and one was bad.
So, Jim’s father, my very own Bovine Yoda with over 30 years running a dairy and now a ranch, says that the north/south orientation I read on a blog then heard on tonight’s news is bunk.
Here’s what he had to say, according to m-i-l Margie.
“They are full of s***. Cows do orient their body when on uneven
terrain, to keep the head up higher than their butts. I’ve been out
there many a morning with the cows all lying down and they lie down in
every direction. They also feed the same way. Sometimes they will line
up like a lawnmower, in a fan shape and graze on line, especially when
turned out in a new area.”
“If there were no fences, I believe they would migrate some, like the
buffalo, according to the seasons and available vegetation.”
We are now witnessing some Boer goat behavior and they are much like the
cattle in grazing and resting body orientation.
One of the most interesting animal behaviors Joe has ever witnessed was
when a small group of about 20 beef cows, in a very large pasture with
very little human interaction, went into defensive mode making a circle
with their heads facing out to protect their calves against a small
group of 3-4 coyotes. When Joe got closer the coyotes ran off.”
So that’s the news from the ranch. Just call this post “Bovine MythBusters.” Dee
Cooking with Dee 
Dee, for goodness sake send me some instructions. Without that darling grandson around I can’t figure out how to answer or comment.
I just wanted to add to Joe’s experience from my back window. I can remember once years ago we had a cow who decided she was tired trying to face either the Texas sun or fighting for her place at the hay table. Just the same, she was near to cow heaven and the herd took note of this. I witnessed one by one maybe 20 fellow bovines formed a line and passed by her as she lay on her side. They paused looking at her, stood a while, then the next cow took its turn. I couldn’t help but compare it to us humans when we visit the sick and afflicted.
Then, I took note once how the happy herd gathered around the johnson grass to share their feast. Just one thing, one old mother cow was left separate with the baby calves. It was her job to tend the youngans and not allow them to bother the other diners.
I have a hard time eating beef when I remember some of my cow friends.
Love, Nanny