02/23/08, 07:43 PM
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Retired farmer-rancher
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: north-central Kansas
Posts: 2,895
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Twins probably only occur at a rate of around 2 or 3 per hundred (on my farm). I don't try to select for twins although I think a tendency to twin is genetic and can be selected for. These two calves are an exception in that both are good normal-size calves. (Normal in my herd is around 85 lbs. )Many times they tend to be smaller and don't do well unless you supplement them with a bottle. Sometimes the cow will have problems claiming both , and one will be abandoned. I have always said I would rather have one good calf than 2 substandard ones. However, This cow had no problems raising both, she never doubted they were both hers and gave a abundance of milk for both. One calf did always look just a little smaller, but not a significant difference.
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* I'm supposed to respect my elders, but its getting harder and harder for me to find one. .*-
Last edited by ksfarmer; 02/23/08 at 07:47 PM.
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given the oppurtunity, a cow will always take the wrong gate...Baxter Black
