Poll (livestock)

Poll (livestock) refers to the top part of an animal's head, specifically the area between the ears and behind the horns, if the animal has them. In livestock, the term is most commonly associated with cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The poll is an important consideration in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, and animal breeding practices.

Anatomy and Significance

The poll is located at the cranial end of the vertebral column, near the occipital bone, where it contributes to the animal's head shape and horn development. In horned species, the poll includes the base where the horns grow. In polled (naturally hornless) or dehorned animals, the area is still referred to as the poll. This region is of interest for several reasons, including animal behavior, animal welfare, and certain medical procedures.

Behavioral Aspects

The sensitivity of the poll varies among animals. It is a site for communication and dominance behavior, particularly in species like cattle and goats, where headbutting is common. The poll's sensitivity can also be utilized in handling and restraining animals, with pressure on the poll often having a calming effect.

Health and Medical Considerations

The poll area is significant in veterinary medicine for several reasons. It is a common site for injuries in animals due to fights or accidents. Additionally, certain medical procedures, such as dehorning and the placement of identification tags, involve the poll. Proper care and technique are essential to minimize stress and injury to the animal.

Breeding and Genetics

Selective breeding has led to the development of polled (hornless) varieties of cattle and other livestock. This trait is desirable for several reasons, including safety for handlers and other animals, and to avoid the need for dehorning. The genetics of polledness is a significant area of research, with implications for animal welfare and husbandry practices.

Cultural and Historical Aspects

The poll and horns have held various cultural and symbolic significances throughout history, representing strength, power, and fertility in many societies. The practice of dehorning livestock, while controversial, has been adopted in many parts of the world to reduce injury within herds and improve safety for handlers.

See Also

• Animal husbandry
• Veterinary medicine
• Selective breeding
• Dehorning