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Post by snizzlephynx on May 7, 2011 14:57:59 GMT -5
my lovely little dexter heifer Emm Cee calved last week. i found her in labor around 8:00 am and having some experience with angus cattle, i waited about and hour and went back out to check her. she had the calf but it was dead.  i am so upset because it was a beautiful little heifer. i don't know why she lost the calf, but you can bet that next time i will keep a much closer eye on her!!! i brought her in and have been milking her for the 7 days. we made mozzarella cheese today from yesterdays production and it is amazing  i was wondering if someone could suggest what tests i should have done before we start using the raw milk for drinking, yogurt, kefir etc. ________________ jc reid shaking reed farm gladstone va |
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Post by legendrockranch on May 7, 2011 18:32:12 GMT -5
Sorry to here of your loss, and a heifer at that.
At least you're able to milk the cow out and have the benefits of making cheese.
Maybe someone else will chime in on your other question about what test to do before drinking raw milk.
By the way welcome to the forum!
Barb
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Post by otf on May 8, 2011 7:29:09 GMT -5
Hi there! So sorry to hear Emm-Cee lost her calf, but happy to hear that you are milking her.....you could check with the vet or your extension agent to ask about testing, or even the nearest state lab (Lynchburg?).
How is Cabaret doing?
Hope all is well with you otherwise.
Gale
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lsg
member
Posts: 247 
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Post by lsg on May 8, 2011 7:34:26 GMT -5
I don't know about your state, but I believe MO has been certified TB and Bangs free. Check with you local vet to see if your state has a clean slate for both of those diseases. Some people have their milk cows checked for Johne's Disease. I think that is mostly a problem in big dairy herds though. Your vet will know.
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Post by Star Creek Dexters on May 8, 2011 8:23:58 GMT -5
I am so sorry you lost your calf! How sad indeed for you and your cow! We lost a calf at 4 days last year, and it was really heartbreaking! Yes, I would do as lsg recommended. Check with your vet and see what he says about disease. We check each of our new animals before they come home with the vet to be sure they are not bringing anything home with them. Johne's is particularly scary for milk, as it's been linked to Crohn's Disease in people. It is very rare in Dexters, and more of a problem in large dairy animals. Along with checking for disease in you cow, remember that harmful bacteria in milk is presented not in the milk itself, but in the conditions that could enter the milk from pail to fridge. Good milking hygene is the best way to make sure that your milk is safe and full of those wonderful properties that raw milk is known for  |
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i am so upset because it was a beautiful little heifer. i don't know why she lost the calf, but you can bet that next time i will keep a much closer eye on her!!!
