Cow Caught Eating Woma Python In The NT | Queensland Country Life

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FarmOnline WeatherHorse DealsLivestock ConnectFarmers' FinanceAgQuipPress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentreTerms & Conditions - DigitalTerms & Conditions - NewspaperPrivacy PolicyAbout usConditions of UseFarm OnlineFarm WeeklyNorth Queensland RegisterStock JournalStock & LandThe LandHome/BeefCow caught eating woma python in the NTBy Ben HardenUpdated October 30 2020 - 2:07pm, first published 12:30pmBy Ben HardenUpdated October 30 2020 - 2:07pm, first published 12:30pmSaveShareExperts say it would appear that a phosphorus deficiency may have made the cow put the snake its mouth. Photo: Andrew Gertz

A Camooweal man travelling to work has captured an unusual scene of a cow chewing on a woma python in the Northern Territory.

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Andrew Gertz works as a refrigeration mechanic and was travelling along the Sandover Highway, near Lake Nash Station, when he stumbled upon a cow on the road with something long hanging out of its mouth.

Mr Gertz first thought the cow was chewing on a bone before realizing the bovine was snacking on the scaly meal and he said the cow was noticeably unaware there was anything unusual about her meal.

"I seen something hanging out of its mouth and I didn't really know what it was until I got closer and then I realized it's a woma (python)," Mr Gertz said.

"There's a photo where you can see where the cow has chewed it down to the back bone.

I've seen cattle chew on cow hides and dried out bones, but I've never seen them chew on a snake, especially fresh too like that.

- Andrew Gertz

Mr Gertz said once he stopped to take photos, the cow dropped the snake and continued on unscathed, leaving the half chewed snake behind.

"I'm not sure how the snake would have ended up in the cow's mouth, there had been some rain ahead of us and I could see no tracks in the sand and road, so it wouldn't be that the snake was hit by a car and picked up on the road by the cow," Mr Gertz said.

"It could have bitten the cow's tongue, that could have been a possibility.

"I showed my boss and the locals where I was going to, and most of them have lived in the Territory for years around cattle, and they haven't seen anything like it before."

Cattle are known for chewing on bones and dried out carcasses, but this was an unusual scene for the bovine species. Photo: Andrew Gertz

CQUniversity livestock researcher Dr Diogo Costa said based solely on the photos, it would appear that a phosphorus deficiency may have made the cow put the snake its mouth.

"It's not normal animal behaviour but phosphorous deficiencies can turn a cow as mad as a cut snake," he said.

"Along with calcium, phosphorous is one of the most plentiful minerals in a cow's body, and there are times in an animal's life where it may need more than normal - for example a cow in lactation will have a higher requirement because of the P going to the milk, or a growing animal will have a higher requirement in comparison to one not putting on weight.

Mr Gertz said after he stopped to take photos, the cow dropped its meal and walked away unscathed. Photo: Andrew Gertz

"There are many areas in northern Australia with very low levels of P in the soil and this is why P supplementation is usually recommended during the wet season in northern Australia when animals start putting on more weight and their requirements increase.

"Phosphorus is stored in the bones and clinical P deficiency can result in health issues such as spontaneous fractures due to bones getting weaker, or to reductions in fertility rate and weight gain.

"P deficiency can also lead to osteophagia (which can in turn lead to botulism) - osteophagia is the action of eating or chewing of bone, and one of the most common signs of acute P deficiency. This may well have been what that cow was doing when chewing on the snake."

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Ben Harden

Journalist

Queensland Country Life reporter based in central Queensland. Got a story? Get in touch: 0437528907 or email [email protected]

Queensland Country Life reporter based in central Queensland. Got a story? Get in touch: 0437528907 or email [email protected]

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