Calving pictures

[ozark_jewels]

Went out this morning and noticed two cows looking suspicious. Got closer and saw #44 looking like this:



But it was #2 behind #44 who was the most interesting at that point. I happened to have my camera on me so I spent a bit of time.



Just feet:





And a tongue.



Then up to see if she had already had it.......



The other dry cows are very interested.....

[ozark_jewels]

Back down and pushing again. Here comes the nose:








And the head:



And the head is out:



The shoulders coming:



Here is where I put the camera down to make sure the nostrils were clear and to make sure it was breathing.

Its here. A healthy bull calf.

[ozark_jewels]

#2 is resting, but interested.



#63 is checking out the new arrival.



Cleaning him up:





All the relatives have to see him too.....



#44(still in labour) thinks maybe this is her calf:

[ozark_jewels]

He had plenty of mothers, so I went in to eat breakfast. Came out an hour later and found this:



#44 had a paint heifer and the two cows were sharing the two calves. In the time I stood there I saw both calves sucking on both cows.



The little bull is up:





But the little heifer is the one front and center.

[francismilker]

Great pics of the different stages Emily! A job well done!

[KSALguy]

oh wow thats awsome, and i just love the little heiffer calf, where did she get her color from? is it a case of "WHoS YO Daddy?" lol just kidding

[ourminifarm]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

That little heifer is lovely!

[topside1]

Thanks Emily, for the wonderful shots and of course your time...Topside

[pookshollow]

Interesting pictures - been a long time since I saw a calf being born!

I'm curious about that little red heifer too - what's her breeding?

[Charleen]

Thanks so much for letting us visit your farm!

[Onthebit]

Great pictures!

[dosthouhavemilk]

I believe they've been running a Jersey bull over the Holstein and Holstein/Jersey cross cows.
That heifer is a cutie and I've seen the dance of two mothers as well.

[ozark_jewels]

The calves do not differ in sires, its the mothers genetics that are responsible for the difference in the calves. Both calves are sired by the same Jersey bull. #2 is a pure Holstien cow. #44 is Jersey/Holstien(notice the size difference between #2 and #44. #44's bones are smaller, the head is different and even the colour pattern isn't the same as a pure Holstien).
Glad you are enjoying the pictures.

[sungirl]

Great pictures Emily. Is your red hefier a keeper? Sure is a cute little girl.

Patty.

[mamahen]

But where is the snow? No fair!

[farmmaid]

Emily...I have dial-up and waited 1/2 hour to see all the pictures...worth every minute.THANKS...Joan

[farmmom]

Love the pictures. It's been a long time since I helped with calf delivery. Beautiful babies

[farm mom]

Great pictures! Thank you.

[ostrichlady]

Great! the kids really enjoyed seeing the pics. Thanks for posting.
Barb

[Joanne in CO]

What incredible pictures!!

I have been debating on buying some cows (milking mostly, but also some for meat) and kept getting inundated with stories and pictures of having to always help the mother deliver with chains. It's so refreshing to see it done naturally!!!

Is delivering naturally more common than chains?

Thanks again for sharing such great photos!