Did you know that sometimes when a calf is born they can sometimes take a few days to be able to stand up and walk without falling down? This little lady was born today with an interesting problem that is often overlooked at many facilities because it can resolve itself, contracted tendons. I found a very informative article published by Mississippi State University which addresses contracted tendons in newborn calves and claims that most of the issues are a direct result of the calf being to too big in the womb! When a calf is born large it is likely that the position the calf lays exerts pressure on the tendons in the calf's legs causing the appearance of walking on their knuckles or resistance to standing. Although I called this calf my little lady, she actually was born quite large for a calf. Recommendations for treatment involve gentle stretching and flexing of the limbs, splinting in severe situations, and administration of anti-inflammatory and pain relivers if needed. I wanted to rehouse this calf into a new pen with fresh shavings and excellent ventilation so if I ever encounter a calf that needs an extra hand (like this girl) when it comes to walking, I will settle them in this wagon and wheel them around as if they were a toddler! Most of the time the calves will sit still like she is while I wheel them to their new pen. There were a few curious glances from our older calves as I wheeled her down the isle, sometimes I wonder what the calves are thinking about the personal cow-uber!
Today we shipped 4,786 gallons of milk.
Today we had one new heifer calf.
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