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| 8670 is correct in how to do a cow in chute. However I might add his wattle is a hang down one as he cuts down. You can also do basically the same wattle and cut up with knife towards throat and the skin flap will hang over and down. I wish I had a pic of my neighbor's wattle as it goes that way. Also you can very it by cutting two smaller wattles in either direction. My wattle is a skin flap above left knee but just where front leg starts. I will cut a flap about 3-4" inches close to 2" wide and bring knife cut out of the top of the cut. When that flap heals it will be a nice round ball of haired up skin on leg that you can see from a distance.
The whole reason for wattles is to be able to identify a cow on a run or from a distance. A cow can be out far enough you can't read ear tags or might not see a ear mark however a wattle can be seen from a long distance.
I also might add I would suggest if doing it for the first time on adult cattle use a meat cutters glove for the hand you are holding skin fold if going to do a herd I would really suggest a glove. If not at least learn to hold skin fold and curl your fingers back into your palm like a fist, less chance to cut a finger tip.
Like 8670 said "sharp knife is a must" I also prefer pocket knife with thinner width blades but longer. I would also suggest a locking blade if working in squeeze chute in case knife hits head catch so it doesn't fold shut on your hand and cut you. Lot easier to do as calves in future. | |
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Cow wattles
