We had a cow freshen during milking time tonight. We knew she was close, and Jenna's job was to keep an eye on her while we finished up milking. She needed a little help, but had a healthy heifer calf around 6:30 pm. That clean, dry bedding got a little messy with the birth, but she's doing a great job of cleaning her off...
Here she is at about thirty minutes old. All cleaned off and in a fresh bed of clean, dry straw. I think she's pretty...but I'm partial to black calves. She will be #378 when she gets her jewelry...
We left the cow and calf alone for a little while, and then milked the cow and fed the calf two quarts of colostrum...the first milk. It looks a little different than what you usually see, doesn't it?
All gone...I don't think I've ever fed a calf so young, that drank so well the first time!
Mom and baby are now settled for the night...and so are we.
Linking to Alphabe Thursday
awww! congrats to the mama and welcome little heifer!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new calf. I also got a new born calf this morning. I'm running out os place. This one is a bull so it will be sold next week. I'm looking forward to the slowing down on birthing calves. I'm worn out, lol... Great pictures by the way.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
JB
Good luck little one. Brings back memories of calving. Always a busy time in the spring for range cattle.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a good feeling to have a live healthy calf get up and nurse. Welcome #378.
ReplyDeleteWell done, and a nice looking calf :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome little one and Congrats to Momma.....and human family...May she bring you much joy in her journey here .....
ReplyDeleteNice to hear about a new arrival to this world. Calf looks beautiful. First milk of cow after birth is good for us too and it will have different taste than the other milks.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to everyone!
ReplyDeleteOh Alica I cannot wait for my first calf of the year but I do not want to bottle feed it. That sweet sticky colostrum usually ends up on me:) She is truly beautiful. Hug B
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Glad they are both doing well.
ReplyDeleteShe is a beautiful girl. I would like a black one too,. There is just something wonderful about calves.
ReplyDeleteThat colostrum is a precious as gold for calves.
Have a wonderful day.
A beautiful new baby! I hope she grows up to be a big producer and a nice addition to your herd. I'm glad she is a good eater. Feeding calves can be a messy, challenging job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet thing!
ReplyDeletethat is so sweet..
ReplyDeleteOh, how precious! Lovely and perfect for the letter C!
ReplyDeleteThis post brought back memories of when we milked! I always think of that when we are in the midst of a winter storm like we are now. How much more complicated it is when you have dairy cows unless you have a huge barn and keep them up.....we didn't!
ReplyDeleteThe calf is a beauty; do you ever have those that don't have a clue about nursing from a bottle? I have straddled many calves tucking that bottle in and having them chew and spit out the nipple until they get a taste of the colostrum or milk.
WOW, never seen a baby fresh born before. What an experience! Congrats to Mamma Moo!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special Letter C post. Thanks so much for sharing the miracle of birth with the photos and commentary. It's been many years since I've attended a calf birthing. My Daddy was a rancher and we witnessed it often as children. Thanks for visiting CollectInTexas Gal for my Letter C on Crochet.
ReplyDeleteSue CollectInTexas Gal
Congrats! I've only seen newborn calves at the state fair. It's always a neat experience. I'm so glad that things went so well.
ReplyDeleteYour Christmas calf!
ReplyDeleteThat calf is a total cutie...
ReplyDeleteI bet Mama was proud to see her beautiful creation!
Charming post for the letter "C".
Thanks for linking.
A+