Found a dead heifer and calf today. The calf made it out and was laying on its side. The cow was laying on its side. Her vagina looked like it was stretched and perhaps torn. Some afterbirth was hanging out. The calf was big but not huge. Looked like they had been dead for a while (maybe 10-15 hours). What went wrong here? Breech birth? It is a sad day. Heifer was about 2 years 4 months old and a medium framed cow and bred to a black balancer bull.
Lost a heifer and calf today
- Thread starter mooboy
- Start date
True Grit Farms
Well-known member
Those things happen, and there's not a lot you can do about it. We keep our heifers by the house and check them often during the day. But I don't get up at night to check them and it's cost us before.
Nesikep
Well-known member
Does the bull throw calves with a meaty butt? they can sometimes get hiplocked.. I've had a couple come out fine for the first half and then require a significant pull to get the rest out.. and heifers.. well.. sometimes they just stop pushing half way, older cows will often get excited and get up, which gets gravity on their side.
It sucks losing one, let alone both... I've had a little bit of luck and a lot of sleepless nights, but I've done well for the last few years.
It sucks losing one, let alone both... I've had a little bit of luck and a lot of sleepless nights, but I've done well for the last few years.
NolanCountyAG
Well-known member
If the calf was out, it wasn't a breech. How often do you check your heifers?
TennesseeTuxedo
Well-known member
Sorry.
