A weak underdone calf

[carragheendexters]

I have been so busy the last few weeks, but now I have a chance I thought I would post about what we have been up to. We have had 6 calves born over winter to a bull that we have a share in. We don't usually winter calve, but that was how it worked for when we could have the bull here for breeding to these cows.

The first born was  a bit early, and a little underdone. She had a beautiful  plush coat, had some length to it so not too underdone, no teeth, and was rather weak. She could stand up on her own, and walk around a little but couldn't get on a teat or stay on by herself without our help. She was also kneeing over.

Thankfully she was born on a Saturday morning, so we had all weekend to make sure she was getting regular feeds and plenty of colostrum that first day. I had to go back to the coast on the Monday morning so I had to make sure that DH Don could manage on his own. He did brilliantly. Even though working fulltime, he still managed to do all the chores PLUS make sure this little one was ok and help her feed 4 times per day.

Here she is on Sunday, with Don having a practice run making sure he could do it on his own. Her mother is the sweetest cow, with a bit of hay to keep her busy she patiently let us handle her calf, and holding her up while she feeds. In the second photo you can see how weak her legs are.

By the end of the week I got a text from a very excited husband, when he went down in the morning to get her on for a feed this is what he found. Her legs were so much stronger now and they were pretty well straightened out. What a relief for him that she could feed on her own, now she would be able to feed as often as she wanted to, and not have to wait for him to get her on.

Here she is now, I took this photo the other day and she is now 3 months old. No sign of her slow start in life. It is a "K" year and we are thinking of calling her Kontessa or Kaleidoscope or Kalliope. As you have guessed, we really can't decide what to call her LOL.

[zephyrhillsusan]

That's a lovely story! Thank you for sharing this, for the encouragement it will be to the rest of us to persevere with whatever it takes to give those babies a good start in life. She sure is a sturdy little thing right now! I like all the names, but probably like Kalliope the most, Kallie for short. (Just in case you're taking votes!)

[legendrockranch]

She ? sure has come a long way from where she was at, nice stocky girl now. Thankfully mom and Don did a good job and were there to help.

Barb

[carragheendexters]

She really has done well, amazing with a little TLC to get them going they just bounce back. I am really pleased with how she is turning out, she has good depth and width already. I think she is going to be quite small as well, which is what we expected, her sire is from shorter lines and is short himself (not chondro positive)

I have to thank Don for all he did, he was really amazing the amount of time he spent on this little calf, along with everything else he does when I am not home. He keeps this place running and all the animals fit and well fed, plus works a fulltime job which involves after hours call back. Us ladies have to be thankful for wonderful husbands who go the extra mile.

I'm up for a vote in names Susan, any other suggestions as well? I did think of another Katerina.

[zephyrhillsusan]

Any help from her parents' names? That's a carry-over from my horses, but I like to link to the parents' names if it works out. Katerina is pretty, too. Kate for short? It reminds me of a very old song, "K-K-K-Katie, beautiful Katie, you're the only g-g-girl that I adore! When the m-moon shines over the cow shed, I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door!"