What's the point of farmers sticking their hands in cows bums?

Question

Just was wondering???

Answer 1

Before artificial insemination, you are supposed to massage the uterus. That's just the easiest way to get your hand in position to do so.

Answer 2

The previous answerers are correct.  They also do it so they can find the cow's cervix during artificial insemination (AI).  They pass the straw of s***n through the cervix.

Most dairy farms don't use bulls at all to breed their cows and rely completely on AI.  AI is done daily on large dairy farms.

Answer 3

The reason they do that is to pregnancy-test the cows. It's more likely to happen on smaller properties/ranches where there aren't many cattle. On big properties, I've never known of it being done under normal circumstances. I grew up on a big sheep and cattle property, and we didn't ever do it and nor did any of the other property owners in the area.

I think they often do it on tv just for shock value. It seems a bit over the top to me, to do it on every second show you see about raising cattle. Considering it wouldn't happen very often, it seems coincidental that it happens when tv cameras are handy.

Hope that helps.