Cow adopts new calf

[JElfering]

Here's a positive to our sad news of last week. DH picked up a new dairy calf (6 days old) on Saturday. She was quite tiny for an American Jersey under 54#. Just in case, my DD rubbed the cow's nose with vinegar and rubbed down the calf's back with vinegar. Our heifer cow took to her fast! I really believe that she was missing her own calf that had passed. We left her in the pen and both are doing fine. It is a delight to see our heifer with a joy in her step. I'm not an animal psychiatrist but I think she was depressed, why not, the rest of us were. Although she does not have any dutch in her, she does come from a good blood line.

[Christina R.]

Glad to hear the good news. I've read lots of ideas about grafting calves to cows, but sounds like vinegar was way too easy!! Enjoy watching them bond to each other!!

[Up North]

I'd say cows can definately get depressed. We have made it pretty common practice to let our dairy cows have their calves for a few days. We can really see the difference in old cows or cows that have had any sort of problems calving. Having their calf lifts their spirits and gives them a reason to live if they are sick.

Heather

[Tango]

My Jersey adopted two calves I got at the auction to give me a break from milking. I didn't do anything and she readily accepted them and raised them entirely on her own. Gonna try it again when she freshens. Don't know how she'll be when she has her own calf to raise but I think if I pick up a calf the same day, she'll take to it.