So sorry, it's hard for sure. We try to be good stewards as well.Went out to the barn this morning, found a 3 day old one dead. Looked like he had been stepped on by the way it laying. We had colostrumed him and helped him nurse the cow the night the night before. It was a disheartening thing as we have really worked with our calves this year trying to stay on top of things. Sometimes things just happen even if you try do everything you know to do.
I've debated it for several years, if and it's a big if weather wise, all goes well I really like our early calves but this winter I've decided those bulls are staying put until almost June.We moved our calving season to March-April two years ago due to February weather losses. Last year I had second thoughts but this year reaffirmed the decision.
Found this little guy dead this morning...almost a week old. We think he got stepped on in the barn. Got him and 2 others through the negative temps and now this. Mama is breaking my heart. Thinking this isn't for me anymore. Damned if you do...View attachment 2472
That's what I did. Except I ended up with a surprise yesterday, 'bout 3 weeks premature.We moved our calving season to March-April two years ago due to February weather losses. Last year I had second thoughts but this year reaffirmed the decision.
I'm on edge right now for that very reason. Good luck with yours.That's what I did. Except I ended up with a surprise yesterday, 'bout 3 weeks premature.
Had one old cow that calved last week, same thing as you. Made it four days. The bulk of my calves will come March-May, I hate this weather for calving. I agree With Johann Seitzmann, calve when the largest local wild ruminant does. That would be whitetails around here. Why fight nature?Went out to the barn this morning, found a 3 day old one dead. Looked like he had been stepped on by the way it laying. We had colostrumed him and helped him nurse the cow the night the night before. It was a disheartening thing as we have really worked with our calves this year trying to stay on top of things. Sometimes things just happen even if you try do everything you know to do.
Thanks, but the first one didn't make it. She had him in the best possible place, in the woods and surrounded by cedars. I took out a bale for bedding that night (with a headlamp on my hat), checked his tongue and it was nice & warm. He was nursing like a champ and was very active the next couple days, even a little bucking when I saw him yesterday late afternoon. Dead this morning, laying with his head downhill but his stomach was still full. Stepped on? Couldn't get up & suffocated? Residual effects from the epic cold? Dunno. Always hurts.I'm on edge right now for that very reason. Good luck with yours.
Hang in there. It's the people that dont feel any thing that dont need to be raising cattle.Found this little guy dead this morning...almost a week old. We think he got stepped on in the barn. Got him and 2 others through the negative temps and now this. Mama is breaking my heart. Thinking this isn't for me anymore. Damned if you do...View attachment 2472