We brought the bred heifers up to the barn about 10 days ago. I assumed they were probably all bred, they have been in with the bulls since June 2009. I had NO IDEA how far along. So, I did a little training session--put the heifers in the stanchion.
Jules and Maddy are definitely making udders, then I tried to bump them and almost jumped when I felt BIG calves kicking and pushing back against my hands! What? So it seems to me, the calves usually feel like that about a month before calving. Berretta, for reference, is due in May and about to be dried off. I can't bump her calf nearly as easily.
Brie, the 3rd heifer, isn't really building an udder yet. I couldn't bump a calf either. Hopefully she's in fact bred, just due in early May like I thought the others were.
The heifers behaved wonderful in the stanchion. I felt all around their cute little udders. Not a flinch, let alone a kick. I can't belive we might have 3 more little calves in the next 2 months. Yipeeeeeeeeeee!
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As stressful as calving is it is wonderful too. Congrats on all those impending young 'uns.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I totally agree, I'm excited as we get close--then on pins and needles for the calving and those first few weeks into milking are a lot of work. Looking out for metabolic issues. Dealing with hormonal cows. Most of them at the LEAST, do a lot of crapping in the parlor those first few weeks. I do love those baby calves, and milking is a joy...most of the time!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!! Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the updates and news (and pics too)!
How exciting!
ReplyDeleteDefinite congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI bumped Brie's calf today. Looks like that will be 4 calves in the next 2 months!
ReplyDelete