There she is nursing.
Didn't get to weigh it till the next day then found her to be about 50-55Lb.
She was sired by a milking shorthorn. The dam (which has finally got it's name "Miss Maple"... I dont care as long as if a stranger hears me using the name I dont have to blush ;-)). Anyway the dam as most know is a Jersey-mix (I believe of shorthorn, though by the coloring I guess there must be other breeds (so I guess she is a mutt ;-)). Just going by how most breeding seems to be to shorthorn up here).
She seems to be healthy and was bouncing around the stall while I cleaned this morning.
Whoooooh. What an experience.
Learned a lot that I hope will make next time better.
Here is just a little (Seems so simple now that I have experienced it and can examine it):
1) Saw dust is not the ideal bedding for birthing (not really dust but small enough to make it a problem) - straw or hay next time (I also have free access to wood shavings)
2) I now know this cow lets you know when it is time (she told me ;-) I was walking by the barn and she was laying in her stall and started lowing at me. That morning she also was coming up to me every time I was down at the barn.
3) The timing I have read so much about isn't absolute. Let them alone unless you are SURE there is a problem. A calf may not be up and walking within 10-15 minutes. And nursing may not take place within 30 minutes.
4) The cow knows more than I credited it.
That is just the tip of it.
Mike
