Cattle Sex

One of the most frequent sights on this trip was herds of cattle grazing peacefully in the fields.  Among these herds were numerous calves of varying size, a clear indication that cattle enjoy an active sex life, especially the bulls.  Most of the calves and their moms were grazing peacefully in their own fenced in area while the bulls were fenced in an area of their own.  However, there were exceptions.

In Nebraska, as I was driving on one of the back roads, I came across a memorable sight.  A bull was coupled with a cow.  At least I think he was.  He was standing on his back feet, directly behind her, with his chest resting on her back, his head barely held up.  He looked like he had just flopped down on her.  His front legs hung straight down limply on each side.  There was no movement whatsoever.  From all appearances the deed had been done and he looked exhausted, with no energy to support himself any longer.  She, on the other hand, looked totally disinterested as she just stood waiting patiently for him to get off her. 

Much later in South Dakota, I came across another herd of cattle.  This time an energetic bull was actively pursuing a mate.  He'd almost get himself positioned, his fore legs almost set on her back and she'd move.  He'd try again and she'd move again.  One time he almost got her to stand still but rather than directly behind her, he was off to one side making for a bad aim. She was having none of that.  He was persistent though and she didn't seem overly reluctant.  Maybe she just needed a bit of courting before standing still for him.  Either way, I suspect he finally managed to subdue her. 

I don't know much about cattle and even less about their sex lives but I do know a little about sex among humans.  Seeing these episodes made me wonder about the animal in us all.