New way to lose a calf

[MarkM]

Mother was acting like she couldn't find her calf this morning. I didn't believe her. Went back an hour later, she had pushed through an electric tape gate and was next to this. The only thing I can figure is that the calf was running from something last night and hung herself in these bois d'arc branches. No other wounds on the calf. Had to be a nice heifer. My sails are slack today.

 

[Williamsv]

So sorry for your loss. You never know what one will get into next.

 

[Muddy]

I saw the similar situation but with a wild deer...apparently he ran thru something sharp, split his belly open and die.

 

[Putangitangi]

Ouch, that's a very sad end when you've got mother and calf through the usually-dangerous bit!

 

[Drzr]

Sorry for your loss!

 

[branguscowgirl]

Dam! That is a tuff one. The slice looks awfully clean for a branch.....but what else could it be?
Sorry for your loss.

 

[Fire Sweep Ranch]

Something seems odd. If the calf spit itself open, don't you think it would drag it's guts around for a bit before it died? It is not likely to lay down, and have the guts nicely spill out like that. Something killed it first, then the guts were spit... that would be my guess.... ????
Sad either way. Sorry you lost a good one

 

[bball]

Dam! That is a tuff one. The slice looks awfully clean for a branch.....but what else could it be?
Sorry for your loss.

Agreed, it almost looks like an incision at first glance.

 

[Kingfisher]

That "cut" ain't from nothing on your place....

 

[MarkM]

What are your thoughts, kingfisher. It is crazy. It is as clean as a scalpel incision. Intestines seem to be spilled out, nor dragged out.

There was not a mark on the calf otherwise. If something dragged it down (cat maybe), you would think that there would be other signs. Calf was in a group with sheep and guard dogs.

 

[Caustic Burno]

That "cut" ain't from nothing on your place....

Are they sure there are no other wounds, that looks like a 2 leg predator that got scared off.
Wouldn't be the first time for sure. I have lost three to them through the years.

 

[Craig Miller]

Dam! That is a tuff one. The slice looks awfully clean for a branch.....but what else could it be?
Sorry for your loss.

Agreed, it almost looks like an incision at first glance.

Thats what I thought too.

 

[Kingfisher]

That "cut" ain't from nothing on your place....

Are they sure there are no other wounds, that looks like a 2 leg predator that got scared off.
Wouldn't be the first time for sure. I have lost three to them through the years.

I'd go for that but right up the belly??

 

[Caustic Burno]

That is why I ask did they look for other wounds.
Looks like the start of field dressing one to tote out.
22LR hole is hard to find.

 

[branguscowgirl]

The incision looks to have perfectly spaced jags in it. Like it was cut with scissors. (I unintentually do that when I cut fabric.) A knife or scalpel makes a cleaner line.
I agree that it looks like someone was butchering it. :shock:

I have a friend that had a horse cut open like that one night. Some sick person cut it and left it standing out in the field with its guts hanging out.

 

[Tim/South]

The calf was already dead when it was opened up. No blood.

 

[branguscowgirl]

The calf was already dead when it was opened up. No blood.

You are absolutely right! Good observation Tim.

 

[cowgirl8]

I agree, something doesnt seem right...

 

[MarkM]

The calf was already dead when it was opened up. No blood.

I blamed the lack of blood on a heavy rain around sunrise, but I thought the same thing. I had not considered the 2 legged predator. I will check again in a little bit for a wound.

 

[bball]

Take note of the fact the intestines aren't ruptured or 'chewed on'. Looks to be pulled out carefully. A decent sized hunting knife will leave jags like scissors if it wast done in one single smooth motion. Definitely agree, someone was field dressing it.