I have a set of twin simmental heifers that I kept for replacements and was wondering if they are more likely to have twins. The reason I kept them is because their mother is a very good cow, but I got to wondering if I might make a mistake by keeping them.
Twins
- Thread starter c farmer
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hillsdown
Well-known member
Usually the chances are higher as they come form very fertile parents on both sides. I have retained many twin heifers and at least one of the twins has had twins in their life time as well..
c farmer":2e4qjkg5 said:
Ummmm, got to disagree with this response. A set of twins is usually a problem for even the most seasoned cow simply because of the number of babies that she is presented with, and are trying to nurse. Add to that the fact that a first time heifer generally doesn't have a clue what is happening, and it usually gets even more dicey. Now, couple both of the above with the fact that most first time heifers - even at 1200 lbs, depending on your particular breed - are still growing and developing, and twins could very well be a very major problem.
snickers
Well-known member
I've had just one set of twins and I really don't care to have another. If we do we will definitely pull one and just let the cow have one. If a cow has twins will she likely have another set or not? just wandering.
From what I've seen, twins tend to run in families. Yeah, twins can be a problem, but honestly we have never had a problem with them except for having freemartins-our cows seem to care for them fine and there is never really a huge size difference between them and other calves, especially if you supplement them (i.e. creeping)
mnmtranching
Well-known member
Yup, twins take extra care, extra work. Do the extra work and it usually turns out. If you expect twins put the heifer/cow in a smallish area. They don't count so well so if in a large area she will probably forget about one. Make sure the heifer has enough colostrum for both. If you have any doubt give a couple extra quarts to each calf and keep a close watch on them. The stronger calf in a light milking cow will take it all leaving the weak one to get weaker and more prone to sickness and death.
