Definition of

Herd

sheep

A group of sheep form a flock.

A herd is a collection of a large number of livestock . The most common use of the notion is associated with sheep and goats : this means that the idea of ​​livestock generally refers to a group of cows or goats .

For example: “Due to the floods we have lost a large part of the herd” , “When I was little, I was fascinated to see how my grandfather led the herd through the field” , “The producers are worried because foxes attacked several herds in the zone” .

Being a group of animals , a herd could also be called a herd . However, in the aforementioned cases of cows and goats, this term is chosen, just as the group of dogs is known as a pack or the group of pigs is called a herd .

The shepherd and his flock

Acting as a shepherd and guiding a flock is not an easy task, so it is necessary to have strict rules so that there are no problems and the animals can graze without difficulties of any kind while being in the best conditions. Thus, for example, it should be undertaken taking into account advice and recommendations such as these:

-It is necessary to take them to areas where there is abundant grass and pasture so that they can feed.

-Vital for both the animals and the people who later consume their meat or the products made with their milk is that all members of the herd are vaccinated and comply with current regulations.

-It is essential to periodically check all the heads of the herd to check that they do not have diseases or injuries.

-No less important is that the areas where they are taken out to graze have their fences in perfect condition, since this will prevent them from escaping.

-You must always treat the flock with authority but without violence and without losing your calm, since this can cause stress in it.

-To the extent possible, it is recommended to have a dog or several that help keep the herd together and that can protect it from certain dangers.

-Of course, it is vital that the place where they are taken out to feed is chosen correctly, since this will prevent the animals from becoming victims, for example, of wolves or foxes.

Crowd

It usually refers to a group of individuals who act under the influence or directive of a leader, without autonomy, as a flock.

The term in religion

The idea of ​​a flock also appears in the field of religion . In this context, a pastor is an individual who exercises some type of ecclesiastical authority over the community of faithful.

These faithful, therefore, constitute his flock: “A shepherd must always listen to and accompany his flock,” “With these events, Father Esteban has lost his authority over the flock.”

The flock as a group of people influenced by a leader

By extension, the group of individuals who act influenced by some type of leader or trend is known as a flock.

“The singer must take charge of the flock of teenagers who follow his orders to the letter” y “I don't want to be part of any herd: I want to think freely and act according to my conscience” son expresiones que muestran este uso.