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Size
There are only four basic types of poisonous snakes in the United States, including the copperhead, water moccasin (or cottonmouth), coral snake and various types of rattlesnakes. The best thing about being a cow and encountering a snake is sheer size. Because venom enters into the bloodstream by traveling from the injected site, it will become diluted to a degree depending on the size of the animal; the larger the animal, the more diluted the venom will be. In most snakebite cases, cattle will be fine -- although they may experience symptoms for a short amount of time.
Face-Bitten
One exception to the rule is when cattle are bitten on the face. Face-bites can result in cattle death. The major reason behind this is that larger blood supplies exist in these areas, which causes more venom to reach the bloodstream than what would normally occur through a bite on an extremity. Other animals that can more easily succumb to snakebites include older cows, especially ones with compromised immune systems, as well as calves, as they are much smaller in size.
Types of Snakes
As might be imagined, the type of snake plays a critical role as well. Although most snakes in the U.S. don't cause cattle death, venomous snakes in many other countries -- such as Australia -- can easily cause cattle to die. Some snakes, including cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, have hemotoxic venom, which causes tissue damage because it affects local blood vessels. Snakes with neurotoxic venom, such as coral snakes, cause issues with the respiratory system.
Signs and Symptoms
Luckily, the majority of snakes in the U.S. are non-poisonous and usually cause no symptoms. At worst, these snakes might cause irritation, swelling and sensitivity in a localized area. Poisonous snakes, on the other hand, often cause cows to act lethargic. They might create a more intense irritation and swelling in a localized area, which may also change colors temporarily. A common sign that a cow has been snake-bitten is a limp on one leg.