Often during our festivals, or while folks are out here on a farm visit or tour, I hear many comments about how great it was to see a calf being born. Obviously, this is not something that we can schedule, and is as much a happy surprise for us as it is to our visitors.
A dairy cow is pregnant for 9 months (just like people). Two months before they have a calf, we move them to our dry lot. This means that the cows will be eating, resting, gaining weight, and generally preparing for their labor. When they are 2 weeks before their expected due date, we move the cows to our maturnity ward. This is located across the road from the creamery. We do this for a couple of reasons, but the main one is so that we can keep an eye on them. Every once in a while, a cow will run in to a problem while calving, and we will need to help.
When the calf arrives, it is able to walk with in about 15 minutes and it typically weights about 100 lbs. We normally will leave the calf with its mother for about 12 hours, giving it time to nurse. After about 12 hours, the cow is brought into our dairy herd, and the calf is moved to our calf barn. The calf is then feed milk from the herd for about 8-10 weeks. ** you can help with this at our calf feedings, every day at 4pm.
Below our pictures of a cow giving birth. The miracle of life is so awsome and amazing…..
Yes!, the calf arrived healthly, and is doing great !!