First Calving Fatality

[zephyrhillsusan]

I don't know on that, I've never had this situation. kansasdexters, cddexter, and midhilldexters, do you have any wisdom to offer here?  What have you done in similar situations?  Milk or let her dry up?

arlen, I guess it would partly depend, too, on whether you want to be milking.  Because if you start, you'll need to continue for a while.  I do think that if you decide not to milk, you probably shouldn't give her grain (or a protein tub) and don't pasture her on green grass.  I would dry lot her with first cutting hay free choice if you decide to dry her off.  I'm really sorry you're in this situation.  Not what you hope for, is it? 

[kansasdexters]

If you have the opportunity to get a healthy newborn calf (any breed), then that's what I would do (and have done). Dexters are such wonderful mama cows and it only takes a short time (about 10 days) of tying her up to let the calf nurse, before she claims it as her own. She will be happier and you will have something to show for the year. It's a win-win.

[arlen]

Well, it just so happens that we haven't put anything out on pasture yet here in Minnesota. Usually around May 15th before things start growing good. I'm feeding them 1st crop grass hay right now anyway, no grain, and no protein tubs.
Hopefully she will dry up a little quicker that way. Thanks for the info!

[Pinevalleydexters]

That's what I have done in the past Arlen. If you leave her alone her body will adjust and her udder will go down on its own. If you milk her, her body will signal to produce more milk. And that was advice from our vet. Our 5 calves have genes from their sire from Chucks Daggett's herd. I have been proud to have Chucks legacy continue on in our herd.

[midhilldexters]

I let mine dry up, after two to three days her discomfort was less and she had no issues. Getting a calf is a good idea, if you can find one at a decent price.

Carol K