Wolf introduction into UK - Guardian interview with Derek Gow (1 Viewer)

[TheBlackGrouse]

The breed of cattle is important, in the Netherlands the industrial farmers have overbred cows, milk factories in fact, with huge udders, they can hardly move, and the horns are removed. And they simply die in the winter when they stay outside. No real match for wolves.

However, in the Veluwe, our largest forest, you find the Sayagusa Cattle, free roaming cows from Spain. This is one of the original, ancient cattle breeds that DNA-wise stands the closest to the aurochs. Wolves are fun for them... finally some action.

In their homeland they have to defend themselves against Wolves and in the past against Brown Bears (even today it's possible). With all these Aurochs genes it's no surprise they were the early adapters of wolf defense in Holland.

Ok, maybe these cows are a bit extreme, they are not suitable for modern farming. But probably the cows in Lithuania are something in-between.


Picture: Arjen Boerman

 

[Farnboro John]

The key aspect, in my opinion, is that few university educations involve any aspect of critical thinking

You are under-generalising. The whole of human society from your first contact with parents dislikes the question "why?"

Critical thinking is always unwelcome, everywhere.

John

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

You are under-generalising. The whole of human society from your first contact with parents dislikes the question "why?"

Critical thinking is always unwelcome, everywhere.

John

Quite right. I would be asking the question 'Why is this new member posting a link to an online casino in his post?'

 

[Mono]

Why is this new member posting a link to an online casino in his post?'

Good spot!

 

[Swindon Addick]

The breed of cattle is important, in the Netherlands the industrial farmers have overbred cows, milk factories in fact, with huge udders, they can hardly move, and the horns are removed. And they simply die in the winter when they stay outside. No real match for wolves.

However, in the Veluwe, our largest forest, you find the Sayagusa Cattle, free roaming cows from Spain. This is one of the original, ancient cattle breeds that DNA-wise stands the closest to the aurochs. Wolves are fun for them... finally some action.

In their homeland they have to defend themselves against Wolves and in the past against Brown Bears (even today it's possible). With all these Aurochs genes it's no surprise they were the early adapters of wolf defense in Holland.

Ok, maybe these cows are a bit extreme, they are not suitable for modern farming. But probably the cows in Lithuania are something in-between.

View attachment 1599590
Picture: Arjen Boerman

Would I be correct in assuming that these cattle kill more hikers than the wolves do?

 

[Jos Stratford]

.

Ok, maybe these cows are a bit extreme, they are not suitable for modern farming. But probably the cows in Lithuania are something in-between.

View attachment 1599590
Picture: Arjen Boerman

Cows in Lithuania are regular softie style brown and white ones, nothing like that great hulk

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Would I be correct in assuming that these cattle kill more hikers than the wolves do?

The caretaker of the herd is born on a farm and every year he's testing the young bulls. He simply goes into the corral and plays around with them to find out which ones are too agressive. These bulls are not allowed in the nature reserve. Rather he than me, this guy has some nerve

A few years ago a young bull charged at me (but didn't attack) and I immediately warned the caretaker. These were exceptional circumstances: fog, at sundown, I was one of the first hikers in spring in that area, carrying a large backpack. Normally, these cows are calm, just leave them alone, give them some space. Sometimes, when they block the cycling path you have to wait until the herd leaves. But that's all in the game. There are many areas with Highland Cattle and last year I had to wait a few times or take a detour. That's rewilding.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Cows in Lithuania are regular softie style brown and white ones, nothing like that great hulk

Yes, I'm always careful when I see the big bull. He's never aggressive though. Just stay on the path, don't approach the herd for a selfie