Cow licks

Big Mr C

Member
We have just taken on a new lad about 23/24 years old. And he keeps telling me the cows are healthy because they have licked themselves," Look how many lick that cow has really healthy" he keeps repeating. I've never heard anyone else say this. Is the licks a thing or is he talking bullocks. Any help. Thanks
 

Working from home

Member
Livestock Farmer
Nope, thats a new one on me too. I was talking to a local farmer last year who was explaining to me he hadn't had the best of calving times. Tests proved they had a Iodine deficency. They had to give all the cows a spray of iodine on their backs, then the other cows would lick it off to get the dose needed. You learn something new every day!!
 

JSmith

Member
Livestock Farmer
I think more so that the iodine is absorbed through the skin or hair follicles on the back, like the pour-on wormer works!! Don’t think relying on them licking each other would be adequate dose even if they did do that! There is something in the saying that there happy in there self if there licking there coats!
Or maybe they’ve got lice 😂
 

JSmith

Member
Livestock Farmer
Well not that it matters but the farmer I spoke to said that the Vet had said it was mainly the licking that gave them the trace elements needed🤷‍♂️
I’m sure there could be something in what he says an I’m not saying he’s wrong at all but if it was only taken in by licking an not absorption how would you know if each one had licked what it needed to??🤔
 
I think more so that the iodine is absorbed through the skin or hair follicles on the back, like the pour-on wormer works!! Don’t think relying on them licking each other would be adequate dose even if they did do that! There is something in the saying that there happy in there self if there licking there coats!
Or maybe they’ve got lice 😂
That's what I was thinking :scratchhead:
 

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