When I realised that she was in calf I was very worried about whether she was still up to doing a calf well, whether carrying it would be too much for her and whether it would even survive, or be really malnourished when it was born.
Well, I needn't have worried!! The calf is huge and beautiful, and looks as strong as an ox (no pun intended!) and was up and suckling in no time flat! Jessica is a very proud mum and looks pleased as punch about the whole thing.
And the best part of all is that the calf is a heifer (female), so hopefully I can keep both calves to breed from in future.
She's never been the world's best milker so I'll try and get both the calves on creep feed (supplementary concentrates - ie calf mix!) as soon as possible. I also want to make sure they grow up quiet and easy to handle, so I've got a busy winter ahead!
Here she is, about two hours old. You might just be able to see that Jessica only has one eye due to being very ill when she was a calf, which was why I had to hand rear her and has meant she's so tame she's just a big pet really!!
Clover thinking "At last, someone to play with"!
What a proud mama...you and Jessica, of course.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, that is a big baby.
Thank you very much, Jean! I know, so much for her not being able to do a calf properly anymore! If it was any bigger it would never have got out at all!!!
ReplyDeleteMeant to note, I read your post below as well. It's a lovely tribute to both love and a special person. You were blessed by David's company and love. It has made you a stronger person, capable of far more than you ever realized.
ReplyDeleteCute!!!!!!! I'm glad she calved well and everyone is doing well. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that calf. What is their breeding or just "beef"?
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, achieve1dream and phaedra!!
ReplyDeleteShe is really cute, isn't she? I will take some more photos in daylight. She's very tame at the moment and will let me stroke her. I'd forgotten just what cuddly big teddy bears calves can be at that age!!!
Phaedra, the black calf is pure bred Aberdeen Angus and the newest calf is Angus x Charolais.