Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Put a Cow to Sleep

Putting a cow to sleep is easy, but only professional cow handlers should do it, according to Mike Sprague, a professional cow handler. Cows can be unpredictable at times, and they have horns, so getting close to them can be dangerous. Cows produce milk even when sleeping. They are sometimes referred to as the foster mothers of the human race. The first cow arrived in the United States in 1611.

Things You'll Need

A .22 caliber long bullet, .22 magnum, 9 mm round or a .357 magnum
Rifle or pistol

Instructions

Temporarily
- 1
  Grab the cow by its horns. Cradle its head in you arm.
- 2
  Rub its cheeks with your fingertips. Notice its eyes getting heavy.
- 3
  Lay the cow's head down. The animal will sleep while standing up.
Permanently
- 4
  Hold the barrel of a gun between two and 10 inches from the front of the cow's skull. Aim it perpendicular to the skull to avoid a ricochet.
- 5
  Draw an imaginary "X" from the eyes to the horns. Aim the gun at the intersection of the "X." If the cow doesn't have horns, draw the imaginary "X" to just above the ears.
- 6
  Use a .22 caliber long bullet and rifle or pistol for young animals. For older cows, use a .22 magnum, 9 mm round or a .357 magnum.

Animals & Science