Author Topic: Beautiful bull calf (Read 4285 times)

trish.farm · « **on:** April 19, 2016, 11:16:48 pm »

Daisy finally calved at 9.30pm!! Been waiting for 2 weeks!! Cracking bull calf, was a bit worried as I used my neighbours Charolais against lots of advice, however she popped him out with just a gentle tug from me at the shoulders, (would have pushed him out herself but I couldn't help getting involved). Now listening to a gentle moo every 10 seconds outside my window. Just love that mummy cow talk! Nothing more satisfying than an adorable Jersey and her baby.

Rosemary · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2016, 08:20:29 am »

A photo or two would be nice

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2016, 10:18:01 am »

Brilliant news!

And yes, seconding request for pics

trish.farm · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2016, 11:35:10 am »

cant attach my photos as the file size is too large. if someone knows how I reduce file size on an iPhone that would help!

trish.farm · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2016, 09:38:38 pm »

totally mentally and physically exhausted!! calf born at 9.30 last night, finally got him feeding at 8pm tonight. been a very stressfull day. Daisy been so good with me milking her, bottle feeding calf as he hadn't fed for over 12 hours, adopted on another beautiful Devon calf who fed really well and got the teats nice and soft for my very lazy bull calf. why is it that bull calves just cant be bothered to feed, or are they just a bit slow??? Can now sleep peacefully knowing both calves have full tummys. Adoptee is penned of next to them, should be able to have it loose with Daisy and her calf in a few days.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2016, 10:34:29 pm »

Glad you've got him sooking - and you've reminded us how much we don't miss having Charollais calves!!

trish.farm · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2016, 07:26:10 am »

oh is that a Charollais thing??? Not putting myself through that again!! In fact I spent all day yesterday saying I was never having anymore calves, ever!! (bit calmer about the whole thing this morning!)

Rosemary · « **Reply #7 on:** April 21, 2016, 09:26:19 am »

Quote from: trish.farm on April 21, 2016, 07:26:10 am

oh is that a Charollais thing??? Not putting myself through that again!! In fact I spent all day yesterday saying I was never having anymore calves, ever!! (bit calmer about the whole thing this morning!)

In my very limited experience, I have found bull calves to be slower than heifers.

Focus on the happy outcome and give Daisy a treat

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #8 on:** April 21, 2016, 10:19:29 am »

When I first came to this farm, the bull was a Charollais and a lot of the calves were dopey about getting on sooking. Now we have Angus bulls and don't have the problem. Hereford AI calves have been great, too.

There can be a correlation about birth size and vigour - I guess a large calf has a more arduous birth, which takes it out of them. Generally bull calves are bigger than heifers, which could account for a perceived gender difference?

And actually, birth size could also be related to breed differences. We like wee newborns that grow like stink; the continental breeds have a tendency to be born larger, on the whole.

trish.farm · « **Reply #9 on:** April 22, 2016, 01:14:21 pm »

All been a bit of a nightmare, calf is feeding fine but Daisy hates her adopted calf. Last time she calved she accepted the adopted calf straight away, she hates this one!! Also got to speak to vet today as no sign of placenta 3 days on. It was hanging out by 12 inches the morning after she calved but then disappeared. Either she shot it out and ate it without me noticing, or its still in there. Been sniffing her lady parts and no horrible smell, but think its time for some advice from the vet. Have made a decision not to have any more calves and concentrate on my sheep, stress levels are way too high