Family Milk Cow 102: Chapter 3

Here’s this month’s final chapter.  Time to get ready to motor.

Chapter 3:  Getting Home

Once you’ve made a final decision on which cow to purchase, you’ll need to make arrangements to get her home.  If you don’t own or have access to a suitable trailer, you can either ask the seller if they’re willing to transport the cow for you (and you need to be willing to pay them for it) or look into a transport company.  If you’ll be hauling her yourself, here are some ideas to help you have a good trip.

The Trailer:

Any safe stock, horse or combo trailer will be fine for your new bovine to travel in, just be sure to check for any places where she could get hurt.  Either a ramp or a step-up will work, but if you have a step-up trailer try to park for loading in a place where your cow will have the shortest step possible, as a high step is not as easy for cows as it is for longer-legged horses. If you’re using a horse trailer, check the height of any dividers compared to your cow – especially if you’re getting a mini breed.  You don’t want her to try to duck under a divider & get stuck or seriously injured.  If the dividers can swing away it’s probably best to do so.  It also helps with loading to have interior lighting, because cows have limited depth perception which makes them unsure about going from well-lit surroundings into dark.  And if you’re going to be hauling in nasty weather, you’ll need to consider the wind chill factor your cow will be dealing with in a more open stock trailer, and think of a way to offer some extra protection.

The Trip:

Getting your new purchase in the trailer is the first step of your journey home.  This should be fairly easily accomplished, assuming she’s been adequately handled and/or halter-trained.  The seller should be willing to help with this process, whether she’s loaded by halter, “bucket leading”, or shooing-in from a corral or chute.  Make sure she has some hay to munch, then give her a little time to settle in a bit before hitting the road.  You shouldn’t have to tie the cow, unless you’re using a really big trailer in which she could move around too much, and besides, given adequate bedding in the trailer, some cows will choose to lay down on a long trip.

You’ll need to drive very carefully with your live cargo.  Starts, stops & turns need to be made gently to avoid throwing her around.  If you have a long trip, it’ll be nice for her (and you) to have a break midway.  When leaving her parked in warm weather, find a shady spot – a trailer can really heat up quickly in the sun.  This is also a good time to offer a bucket of water.

Finally Home:

Even a good trip will be stressful for your cow.  Her whole life is changing.  Have a nice,

comfy, secure place ready for her when you get home.  Unload & stay with her awhile to make sure she’s accepting of her new surroundings.  Then give her a week or two to get acquainted with you & any new pasture mates (through the fence) before turning her out to explore her new home.

CONGRATULATIONS! You’re the proud new owner of a family milk cow!