Double loss

[coachg]

Found one of my 6 year old Black Angus cows in labor on Friday. Had some bush hogging to do so I left her alone for an hour. No feet showing but had a membrane or umbilical cord showing when I went back . Just turned them in on some tall grass and she really didn't act like she was in trouble but that she had had her calf and was hiding it. She is one of those. So I had some other stuff to do so I left the farm. Went back later in the day to tag her calf only to find her standing over a dead heifer. I had a gut feeling all day something wasn't right. Calf was all twisted up and laying in an awkward position so I was thinking well it was a breech. Fast forward to Saturday morning. Got up early to check the herd ; we have 14 babies less than 3 weeks old . Found my momma again standing over another dead calf, this time a bull. Didn't look like it had ever took a breath. Figure she stayed in labor too long with #1 and this caused her to lose both . Haven't had twins in years. It's a shame because she is a heavy milker and could of done ok with two !

 

[bird dog]

Bad deal but it happens. I would look for something tomorrow to graft on her.

 

[coachg]

Got the word out there for a calf to go on her.

 

[Nesikep]

I think you're guess is about right.. sure sucks though.
Any chance you can get some dairy calves to graft and give her something to do?

 

[MRRherefords]

Had the same thing happen earlier this year. Cow had dead bull calf. Took it away, she seemed okay and we left for the night, came back next morning to a dead heifer calf. Sometimes things like that happen and it just stinks.

 

[TCRanch]

Oh dang, sorry to hear that!

 

[Jake]

I think you're guess is about right.. sure sucks though.
Any chance you can get some dairy calves to graft and give her something to do?

This may just be me, but I'd rather leave a cow dry for the year than bring in a calf off a dairy or out of a herd I don't know very well. The fixed costs your trying to cover aren't enough to risk infecting your herd or soil with something you may bring in.

 

[ALACOWMAN]

In my years of doing this, it's best to go with your gut feeling,and never second guess...I see you live in the prettiest area on sand mountain...I'm a Jackson co. man too..

 

[Nesikep]

I think you're guess is about right.. sure sucks though.
Any chance you can get some dairy calves to graft and give her something to do?

This may just be me, but I'd rather leave a cow dry for the year than bring in a calf off a dairy or out of a herd I don't know very well. The fixed costs your trying to cover aren't enough to risk infecting your herd or soil with something you may bring in.

It is definitely a concern.. We're a pretty much closed herd except for the occasional bull. No dairies around my place anyhow..

 

[coachg]

No luck finding a calf so she will get a year off. I know many would haul her but we need the #'s , have an abundance of hay this year, and I don't fault her for the loss.

 

[gizmom]

Coach

I hate to hear you had a loss it always hurts not matter how it happens. Hopefully the rest of your calving will go smooth.

gizmom

 

[coachg]

Gizmom, had 14 in a row, then lost the twins. Two days later I lost a 10 day old bull calf out of one of your sweet girls, and two more live ones since. Vet thinks it had an umbilical abbcess. I check my calves daily but don't always make newborns get up to check them closer after I get them tagged; everybody gets up now so I can check them top to bottom !