okay, I have had 8 calves born within the last two weeks. I own 8 cows, with 4 of them being "first-time" momma's and 4 having had calves in the past. I can match up 7 calves to 7 momma's with no problem. However, I have one heifer, that does not look like she has calved and I have one calf, that seems to wander around like she has no momma! She is slightly smaller than the other calves, so I am wondering if she isn't a twin? I am guessing she was born about a 5-7 days ago. She is up on her feet, she looks energetic for now, I saw her trying to feed off one of the other heifers that I am pretty sure is not her momma.
She also has markings on her that looks like one of my older cows, but that cow is clearly nursing a different calf and head butts this one away if she gets close. This older cow has also been very slow to shed her placenta (may or may not be related to this issue, which my vet says is not a concern that she is still showing placenta). I have one heifer that I would swear has not had a calf yet, but she "could" be this calf's momma, but just not taking care of her? I am watching her closely for signs of distress and if necessary will try to catch her and bottle feed her. Any Ideas on how I can figure this out? If she is up and going should I be worried?
She also has markings on her that looks like one of my older cows, but that cow is clearly nursing a different calf and head butts this one away if she gets close. This older cow has also been very slow to shed her placenta (may or may not be related to this issue, which my vet says is not a concern that she is still showing placenta). I have one heifer that I would swear has not had a calf yet, but she "could" be this calf's momma, but just not taking care of her? I am watching her closely for signs of distress and if necessary will try to catch her and bottle feed her. Any Ideas on how I can figure this out? If she is up and going should I be worried?