Better late than never!

Sarah J · #1 09/12/12, 10:11 AM

I came home from work Monday evening to find my Dexter cow had FINALLY had her calf. We put her in with the bull last September so were expecting a July calf. Nope - I guess they took a bit longer to get together on the deal! LOL

We got an adorable black bull calf this year. I'm still trying to decide if I should sell him as a breeder (both parents are registered) or castrate and raise him up for beef for our freezer. His sister from last year is still really tiny - probably only 250 - 300 pounds at 18 months old... Hmmm... They do grow slower, don't they? Mom is only 500# and 6 years old, small even for a Dexter, but *beautiful*, straight-backed, perfectly proportioned.

Mom gets agitated when we play with the calf. HE seems to find it amusing and really likes it when we rub him down and pet his soft calf-fuzz.

Hopefully my cow will settle down a bit better for milking instead of hollering at my husband for messing with her calf the whole time!

We plan to separate them at night when he's 2 weeks old, but for now I'm "milking" twice a day for her to get used to the idea - getting about a cup each time. LOL

Just so glad she finally had that calf!

-Sarah

Vickie44 · #2 09/12/12, 12:02 PM

Congrats . It is a joy having babies around, isnt it.

RockyRidgeFarms · #3 09/12/12, 12:55 PM

We've got the same scenario here. Got a little bull calf from our first time heifer. Both parents are registered but we've decided for meat. A quick search of our local area showed a decent amount of breeding bulls and they aren't very far genetically from mine. I think what I'll do is continue to breed from my bull for a while, then look in some neighboring states for a new line. They are cute little buggars though!

Sarah J · #4 09/12/12, 03:46 PM

I have a friend who's been using my bull to breed to his girls. I thought I'd offer him this one for such a purpose. If he chooses to not take him, then he gets to go to freezer camp someday!

wvdexters · #5 09/12/12, 05:25 PM

Congratulations on your new little fellow. They are cuties.

Judy in IN · #6 09/12/12, 05:58 PM

A CUP of milk? Either she's holding back for the calf really well, or that's not going to be worth milking!

cathleenc · #7 09/12/12, 07:05 PM

congrats! and please post a photo!

Sarah J · #8 09/13/12, 09:47 AM

Given that I was only getting a gallon and a half daily the year she had a stillborn, I think the calf is getting well fed. Besides - on days one and two, they don't produce that much. Keep in mind she's a Dexter, not a holstein. *grin* And this morning (day 4) I got a full pint and it was much more milky - and this was after the baby ate. We're getting there. By the second week, I should be getting the proper amounts for cheese!

I have pictures on facebook, but have ZERO clue how to get them on here. I've never been able to understand it...I could email them to someone if they want to try it for me?

Sarah J · #9 09/14/12, 08:06 AM

We're up to a quart that she is giving me each milking, and a little more each time. Her milk is coming in and she definitely let it down happily for me today! *dreaming of cheese!*

Sherry in Iowa · #10 09/14/12, 08:22 AM

LOL...congrats on the new baby, the milking going better and cheese on the horizon!