A Nice Surprise!

[Z&J Cattle]

My wife and I checked the cows this afternoon at 4:30 and two of the cows that we have been watching closely for a few weeks anticipating them to calve, were seperate from the rest of the herd laying down in the pasture right next to each other. These two cows are always eager to come and see me when I pull through the gate, but this time they didn't. I got out and made them stand up to make sure they were alright (and they were). I told my wife that they must be getting ready to calve. So, we went and ate supper and checked them again at about 8:30. Sure enough, one of them was cleaning up a brand new baby! She must have had it just a few minutes before we got there. The other cow in question was within 20 feet of the new mom and baby but she still hasn't had hers yet. I bet that she will tonight. I thought that it was interesting that they were staying together like that. Is that normal behavior if two cows are that close to calving at the same time?

Zach

 

[msscamp]

Sometimes, yes. Most times, no. As a gentleman whom I respect very much told me recently - the only dead-bang sure thing about cattle is there is no dead-bang sure thing about cattle!

 

[sidney411]

I've had that happen before. One cow ended up either losing her calf or leaving her calf and both mothers latched on to 1 calf. All 3 were never more then a few yards from each other and both mothers protected that calf. The calf was nursing both mommas, she would go from one to the other. She was the fattest calf we've ever sold! She jiggled all over when she'd walk. She also brought the lowest cwt when she sold because she was so fat. You might watch that the cow that hasn't calved yet, she might try to steal the newborn aqnd when her calf is born she may reject it. Just keep an eye on them and seperate if needed.