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Cows, cows, cows





Today and the past few days have centred around our herd of cows. So far there has been five calves born, the last to Emile, pictured above who was our first cow born on the farm. She's been a good mother, calm and friendly. Up to now her calves have thrived but her latest isn't doing too well. Born naturally he didn't respond like most calves, he couldn't stand up and therefore couldn't/ wouldn't feed. Farmer J stayed trying to get him upright for ages. Emily was very patient maybe knowing that he was trying to help. As he wouldn't feed we decided to leave things to nature, thinking in the morning we would have a dead calf.

The morning came and he was still alive so a trip to the vets for a check up. After a drip for fluids and a bit of medication including an injection to stop bleeding inside, he was brought back with powders to add to water with valuable nutrients and colostrum which he missed out on and a few syringes for injections. He is now able to stand and walk but not latching on to his mum, unable to suckle morning, lunch and evening fluids are being given with a bottle and large syringe, which is normally used for giving medication. Although Emilie accepts him he will not feed therefore she is getting very a full udder which farmer J has milked while she is munching on hay.

This milk has been given to another calf (no 4) whose first time mum hasn't got enough. A 25kg bag of powdered milk (for calves) was brought today so now a morning and evening bottle feed is on the cards. At least this calf is eager to feed, polishing off his bottle rather quickly and trying to suckle the other mums while they are locked down feeding. Both the mums of these two calves are shut in the hanger with them until they gain a bit of strength and making it easier to feed them.

Cleaning out was also completed but not a lot else apart from a quick dash to the supermarket while farmer J milled a batch of cereal for the pigs and cows who each have a handful in a bucket to get them into the feeders and keep them happy. Luckily we still have miss F staying to help out however she leaves tomorrow when we will be back to Darby and Joan. (on the farm)

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