Do cows purr?

[box6rranch]

When we are combing our cows they make this gurgle noise. What is it? The only thing I can figure is it's like a cat purring.

 

[ham]

maybe i'm a little nervous- this is only our second year to show cattle and 2 weeks ago one of our calves died.  it seems like there are alot of friendly people here and I was only looking for advise.

 

[box6rranch]

maybe i'm a little nervous- this is only our second year to show cattle and 2 weeks ago one of our calves died.  it seems like there are alot of friendly people here and I was only looking for advise.

Huh? Not sure where you're coming from. My question is totally separate from anything you've asked about We've shown for several years. I'm just curious why cows make that sound when they are happy and where does it come from?

 

[savaged]

Never heard a calf "purr."  If it is a "gurgle" noise, I'd be sure that it's not an early fluid/lung issue.  It may be that you only notice it when you are close to them (i.e., brushing them).    "Rattling" in the lungs may be infection related.

Just being cautious!

 

[shortyjock89]

I have a cow that has grunted since I got her.  I just say that she's talkin to us.  She really talks alot right before she calves, starting about a month out. 

 

[box6rranch]

No, it's truly a gurgle noise. Kinda sounds like they are burping. Over the years we've had several do it. No health issues, just do it when they are being combed and are happy.

 

[Jill]

The only ones we have ever had make that kind of noise had respitory problems as babies and made noise when they were stimulated, I just always figured it was diminished lung capacity.

 

[Diamond]

chewing their cud (sp?) maybe

 

[box6rranch]

chewing their cud (sp?) maybe

Hmmm.....maybe so. I don't think they are chewing but I'll have to pay more attention next time. Now that I'm really thinking about it the noise they make is more of a burping than a gurgling. Wish I could tape it and play it back for you:O) Whatever it is they are content and happy when they make it and it seems to be only when they are getting combed.

 

[kanshow]

They will make a sound when they bring up the cud..  it could sound like a gurgle or burp.

OFS, we have one that makes  a low moo sound with everything she does if she is happy. 

 

[braunvieh]

My guess would be it is cud related, the do burp it up.