Why Do Cows Have Tails?

It’s common to wonder why certain body parts exist on humans or animals, especially when we don’t know what useful purpose certain organs or parts play in day to day life. That’s why the question of tails often comes up. I’m generally of the opinion that every functioning body part on an animal has a purpose – we just may not understand what that purpose is. So, to the question of cows and tails……

Cows have tails for a number of reasons, including:

• Swatting flies and other insects. Cows are constantly being bothered by flies and other insects, and their tails help them to swat them away. This is especially important in hot climates, where flies can be a real nuisance.
• Maintaining balance and coordination. Cows’ tails help them to maintain balance and coordination when they are walking, running, and jumping. This is especially important when they are grazing on uneven terrain or moving quickly.
• Communicating with other cows. Cows use their tails to communicate with each other in a variety of ways. For example, they may swish their tails to show excitement, aggression, or submission. They may also use their tails to indicate their mood or to attract mates.
• Protecting their udders. Cows’ tails help to protect their udders from dirt and debris. This is especially important when they are lying down or grazing in tall grass.

So there you have it – cows’ tails actually do have a purpose! In many places and operations, cows’ tails are docked (which is the practice of cutting off the end of the tail) to prevent the tail from getting in the way of working with the animal – in milking dairy cows, for instance. When considering docking tails one should pay attention to the reasons cows have tails and ensure this practice is only done when absolutely necessary. Healthy tails, healthy cows! Or something like that.