Tails being devoured by cows.

[Solly]

I thought it would be a wonderful idea to get calves to help with the field maintenance .... ideas about cross-grazing, worm control, etc. I've had the two darlings for 6 months and they are really great, but they keep eating my horses' tails! Sorrel had a 9-year old long tail, which is now looking like it's been attacked by a horse-slashing vandal. The other two have similarly disfigured tails. They are all one herd, and separating them is not an option. I just wondered if anyone knew what I can do - what taste, for example, do bovines detest?

[specialsparkle3]

Crib Off spray by Hunter Horsecare.------The only thing I've ever met that stops foals and youngsters chewing tails, so should work with cattle. Good luck.

[jen1]

or dip the tails in iodine if you can,colour wise,they must have been friendly calves and horses
i live on a farm and no horse or cow would do this,but i know why its happened or my theory
is that our calves dont see any thing other that other calves untill they are about 8 months old
so woudl run a mile when they see a horse,if these calves were small when intrduced then they woudl have become cheeky

[grr]

i had this problem with a sheep eating my ponies tail. Its short & looks awful now.

I figured it was cause the free mineral block had been eaten & there were possiable trace elements in the hair. Iv put a mineral lick in & hopefully i will grow a tail back

[Solly]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The horses and calves all act as one herd and have learnt each others' languages to some extent. I got the calves at a few days old, so really they did grow up with the horses.

Will try the chemicals.

I think calves have an inate desire to chew long stringy things - they love bailer twine too! I don't think they are deficient in anything - except perhaps fulfilment from suckling ad lib from their mothers.

I've just had a brainwave though - what about if I stick a false tail or two around the place.....
What could I use that would be good for calves and also satisfy their strand-chewing habits? A tail from the abattoir? No, I don't think so! There must be something....has anyone got any ideas?

[selina]

You could collect the hair from when you brush your horses mains and tails. I dont know if this will encourage themm though. Otherwise ask an horsey friends if they would do the same for you.