Calving … Starts now

I actually had a few reservations about doing this particular blog.  Just in case some of you don't wanna see it.  But then I decided, some of you might enjoy and appreciate the wonder and natural life of it all.... so if you don't like the graphic-ness of this, please just click "Back" now

We spend the weekends (the last few anyway, and for a few to come) checking on new born calves, and helping out when help is needed.   Actually this is what Wayne does full time, I only get to go on the weekend.

Most of the time, it works just like it's meant to, but from time to time, we need to step in and do our part.

This is one of the easy times, we come along and find these calves already born, unafraid and ready for life.  My horse is very interested!  All we do at these times is put a tag in the ear that matches his mommy.

Then from time to time you find a heifer out in the field that may need just a bit of help.  You do as little as possible, and then hurry away, so she doesn't get too upset.

Sometimes we find a baby that has entered our world, and for whatever reason, doesn't get up to suck the colostrum from Mom.  We wait to make sure he/she isn't going to do it, then we step in again.

Most people know that there are times that serious intervention needs to occur.  This heifer had been 'trying' for more than an hour.... .  We like to see if they can complete the job themselves, but at some point have to make the decision to step in.  One way of telling that it's critical, is when the calf's head is out, and you can see that his tongue is swollen.  It's time to have it done.  We bring the cow into the barn, and help mother nature out. 

You can see below right the swollen tongue

Above right he is born and exhausted

He needed colostrum, and Mom wasn't in the mood right away.  So, Wayne milked her and fed it to the calf.

You would think after she struggles for hours in pain, that she would be somewhat grateful, but she is pissed! She felt entitled to chase Wayne up the fence.  You might notice that I am leaning out of a door that I can shut at any second!

She didn't know yet, but she was being taken to her baby, who was already in soft straw waiting for her.

The following picture is not the two we delivered, but a calf (that lost his mother) that was grafted onto this cow that lost her calf. 

Hopefully No one is offended by these pictures.  They are educational and I take every opportunity to take our grandchildren to learn these life lessons.  I believe this can help bring "value" to the world "Life"

I love this life and hopefully you will love my sharing it with you.

Jessie