DOC HARRIS":rqdcbs8x said:
Grandpa-
Just curious. What was your purpose in acquiring this animal? What are your plans for her? What are you doing with your other cows?
The deep "slot" running down from the eye is a drain for the Lachrymal glands (tear forming gland) which secretes tears (fluid) which covers the surface of the eye. This fluid is carried away by the lachrymal canals into the lachrymal sac, and along the nasal duct into the cavity of the nose. It is more pronounced in some individuals than in others. The Lachrymal fluid prevents dry eyes and washes dust and debris out of the eyes. You have the same type anatomy, but probably not as deep a groove as the cow has. Stands to reason - cows eyes have a tougher job than human eyes. Bigger eyes too.
DOC HARRIS
Thanks, Doc. I just have a very small cow-calf operation, right now 9 mama cows plus 3 heifer calves I decided to keep this year as future replacements. All are angus/brangus mix and all are black except one red brangus. The new cow is a replacement for a worn-out cow that I decided to send to the sale; I hope it was a good move as I took a beating on the old one. This one came from the sale as well and is likely someone's cull, but she will give me calves (I hope) for several years. This past year, I bred the 9 to a really good (borrowed) registered polled Hereford bull and hope to have some baldie calves this spring. I plan to keep all or most of his heifer calves and hope to eventually have a herd of 15-20 total, which is all this land and my pocket book can support.
The reason I have the herd started out as a means to keep the 190 acres that has been in the family since the late 1890s and keep the agriculture property tax exemption. After my dad passed away, we kept the place leased. The first guy was wonderful and is the "guru" I spoke of that buys my cows for me. He gave up the place and was followed by two renters who promised to take care of the place but both cost me more in repairs than they paid in rent. I thought I could do better than that since I cared for the place, so after I retired from teaching I bought this little herd and let the last renter go. (He still owes me rent 5 years later.) I hated having to help dad with this stuff when I was a kid and am sad to say I didn't pay close attention to what we were doing, so I have had to learn most of this by experience and with the helpful advice of good neighbors. Now I love doing it but realize how ignorant I am.
As for the Lachrymal drain "slots", they are just more pronounced than on any cow I have ever seen, and coupled with her totally black eyes, it makes her a little remarkable looking. Sorry, can't tell so well from the pictures. The reason for my question came after I posted a pic of her on my Facebook page, and all the cow experts started commenting. One asked me if she was a mix of Dexter and Kerry. The thick body, short legs, and unusual eyes made me wonder just what she was, although it doesn't matter. All my cows are mutts as are their calves. It gives me something to do and a place to pour my money :D
My pretty wife was the daughter of a row crop farmer and when I told her we were going to build a home in the country, she expressed doubts about living on a farm again. I promised I would never make her hoe cotton like her dad did, and am proud to say I have kept that promise. :lol2:
Thanks again for your comments and questions. It's nice when the true gurus take an interest.
