I grew up on a farm, and we used whips to herd the cows (the ignorant ones anway). But if we had a serious problem (i.e. mad bull, cow who doesn't want you to take its calf) out came a pipe or a chain. Preferably a pipe. (Boy if PETA reads this I'm toast).
Whips sting, but sting ain't the best thing against 2000 lbs. of angry hamburger. A good pipe to the nose however will work wonders.