Can someone explain how cattle herding works, just the basics?

Answer 1

There are two main types of herding. One is called "driving" and the other is called "leading". Cattle and hogs are herded by "driving" them, meaning you "push" or herd them from them from the sides and back of the group. In driving, you get behind them to push them forward and to the sides to steer them left or right. Basically, the animal moves away from you and that is why it is called driving them. Dogs can also be used to drive cattle and pigs. The dogs will bit, nip, bark, and crouch around the animals to get them to go the direction the herder wants them to go. Normally, instructions can be given to the dog through a whistle. There are several breedes of dogs that are good at herding. In dog shows, they are normally referred to as the herding group. Normally in herding there are one or two animals that are the leaders of the group and it is very important to maintain control over these couple of animals or you might lose control over then entire group. Normally, the group will mainly keep together and you have to watch for strays.

Sheep are different in herding. They like to follow instead of being driven. Pretty much wherever you take the leader of the group, the rest will follow. They can also be driven, but it is much easier to lead them.

Answer 2

Groups of cattle are called herds. The cattle have a herding instinct, meaning they typically like to be in their herd. Typically cows are kept together on pasture, whether they are milking or producing calves for beef production. Bulls are typically kept separate and may be in groups. Unless the farmer uses AI( artificial Insemination) 100% then the bulls are let into the pasture to breed with the cows or heifers. The calves that are produced on a beef cattle operation are with the cows till they are weaned around 205 days. In a dairy operation they are taken away days after birth and feed in pens. The calves may go to a feedlot or be kept as replacements for breeding.
The actual herding or moving of the cattle may be done in a number of ways. You can use dogs, horses, people, trucks, or four wheelers. This usually happens when the cattle need health attention, the cattle just need to be moved to another pasture, vaccinations, the cows need milked, the calves need collected, or the cows need bred. Most farmers try to rotate the pastures all their cattle are on so the pastures and grass get a "break" and are able to grow more.

Answer 3

The basics is there's usually a leader in any group. You get the leader moving the rest will follow. If the leader gets where she shouldn't be it can be pretty hazardous to stop the rest from following.

there are differences herding every day working and herding with a dog for competition and working cattle from horseback for competition vs every day working

Pigs *can* be herded. Not easily but it can be done. GOATS not so much. But I've got border collies who have done both.

Answer 4

Cows and sheep, for example, like to stand around together in a big group (known, obviously, as a herd). It's a security thing - safety in numbers.
Herding is about getting the group of animals moving as a single unit, utilising the fact that they don't like going off on their own.

Interesting fact - it's impossible to herd pigs.

Answer 5

well its when you round up cattle it depends on the style are you doing it with a horse or a dog?