Around 11:30 AM today, I asked Marilyn come out and check the cow because she had stuff “hanging out”.
I thought she was in the throws of calving, but a thorough inspection proved that she had already had her calf – and we found it frozen on the ground.
We spent the better part of 3 hours trying to warm her up and get her little heart going, but were unsuccessful.
We lost the little calf.
Fern, our cow seemed to be doing fine, but we’ll continue to watch her for the next couple of days.
We milked her out this afternoon and will start the milking regime in the morning.
We were taken by surprise, since we bought her in October and did not know for certain when she was due to calve, since she was already bred when we purchased her. The man we bought her from told us that the vet said she was due in February or March.
We always watch the breeding of our goats, so we know when they are due.
So, instead of a beautiful, bouncing little calf to play with, I dug a small grave and buried her.
We were all sad today, but hope springs eternal, with the anticipation of baby goats within the next 2 weeks. And as long as Fern is healthy, we will breed her for a fine calf next year.
–Pat