Jersey udder

Gather App
Looks like where a blind teat was removed as a calf. Usually they're snipped flush with the udder.
 
We have one like that, but she has two. They look like teats that didn't grow. They are common.

Jerseys are a favorite of mine. I'd love to see more pictures of her. Did you raise her as a bottle calf or buy her weaned? Is she registered?
 
I have bottled raised her. She is not registered, but a pure Jersey. She was a surprise in my first lot of calves to bottle raise. Didn't discover her until I went to castrate the baby bulls. I learned here on the Forum that she was probably a Free Martin...probably not a mistake by the dairy (they selected and loaded my calves). Early on I had her probed and she passed. I'm told she's too young to palpate...and the vet's office didn't know of a blood test to test for Free Martinism. My mentor at the feed store says I'll know soon enough -- if/when she goes into a heat cycle. Anyway, she's a great natured beast -- I try to get my hands on her and all over as often as possible. She loves to be groomed. I'm hoping she can eventually become a nurse cow for me and help me out with future baby bulls.
 
Sunny Citizen":3gwyszma said:
and the vet's office didn't know of a blood test to test for Free Martinism.

Actually, there is a test available, and it is very inexpensive. I cannot come up with a link at this time, but I'm pretty sure dun has a link or info on a resource. Any testing I've had done was sent to UC Davis. It's accurate.

My mentor at the feed store says I'll know soon enough -- if/when she goes into a heat cycle.
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As for heat cycles, I wouldn't rely solely on a heat cycle. Some feemartins will show heat, but are unable to get pregnant or carry a calf to term.

Go with the blood test, it's inexpensive and fairly quick and it's reliable. Perhaps you'll get lucky and she'll be one of the 10% that's not a freemartin.

Katherine
 
Sunny Citizen":y8dnelvw said:
Now...can I get the sample to be sent?? Any advice on drawing blood from a cow???
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From the vein under the tail.

It should come as a kit, complete with the proper tube for the sample to be drawn into. I can't remember if it's the purple top or red topped tube, like a vacuum tube.

Or, if you're not comfortable with this, and it's not too costly, have your vet do it, preferably if the vet is already planning on coming to your place for any particular procedures.

Katherine

*Edited to add--some folks prefer to use a needle and syringe (sterile of course) to draw the blood firs then inject/squirt into the tube rather than trying finagle the tube and needle combo deal.
 
That doesn't look like a freemartin. On a jersey that age a freemartin usually doesn't have any udder development at all.
She could be a heifer that was not likely to be picked as a replacement and was sold as "just a calf". Cheese prices haven't been so hot lately so sub-par heifers are just another calf and are culled as fast as they can be spotted.
 
I don't think is a free Martin either. I've been seeing a lot of jersey and Holstein hiefers at the yard lately. Milk prices must be down.
 

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