Cattle

In cattle, the brain is situated high in the head. The ideal point of penetration is in the middle of the forehead – at the crossing point of two imaginary lines drawn between the middle of each eye and the centre of the base of the opposite horn. This should give a position about 7cm, ±1cm, above a line drawn across the forehead at the back of the eyes. The shot should enter at right-angles to the skull (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3 Cattle shot position	Figure 4 Commercial beast (2 years)

In calves the brain is relatively larger than in adult cattle, but the upper part is under-developed. The aiming point is slightly lower than for adult cattle, and the gun should be tilted back to obtain the correct angle of incidence to destroy the brain stem (Figure 5).

Mature bulls may have a hard, thick frontal bone, often covered in dense, matted hair (Figure 6). This combination can sometimes prove difficult to penetrate with small calibre projectiles and therefore a shotgun is a better option. 

Figure 5 Infant calf (6 days)	Figure 6 Mature bull (9 years)

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