Post by karenp on Jul 12, 2022 10:59:16 GMT -5
So, Candy has lost another calf. Her first two pregnancies ended in late term miscarriages. She still came into milk, so that was at least something. She went on to have 3 live healthy calves. She miscarried this time at 3 months. 50% might be a great average if you're a baseball player, but for a cow it stinks. I will not be breeding her again. She has some type of chronic respiratory problem that has the vet stumped. She eats well, and is in great condition, just always breathing heavy even at rest. All of the lab work came back negative. I'm going to keep my eye out for a replacement, but I'm not seeing a lot in my price range that is what I'm looking for, her last calf was a heifer and checks most of the boxes so I'll plan on keeping her unless something better pops up. Hopefully, the fertility issue is not inherited. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with Candy. What I should do is milk her as long as I can, and send her to freezer camp, but I'm not sure I can so that. I haven't had an issue sending the others, but hand milking is such an up close and personal activity, it's hard not to get attached. So questions...
I've tentatively arrange send the heifer (Luna) to a local bull to breed. This will work for the first breeding, but but not once she is being milked. So, I will be looking for an AI class if anyone hears of anything in the Mid-Atlantic area could you let me know?
Second question, I've heard two schools of thought on breeding the first time. First wait until they are 2 y/o, second breed at 16-18 months so they are over 2 y/o when they calve. Any input? This is a Dexter to be bred to a Dexter bull.
I appreciate any suggestions.
I've tentatively arrange send the heifer (Luna) to a local bull to breed. This will work for the first breeding, but but not once she is being milked. So, I will be looking for an AI class if anyone hears of anything in the Mid-Atlantic area could you let me know?
Second question, I've heard two schools of thought on breeding the first time. First wait until they are 2 y/o, second breed at 16-18 months so they are over 2 y/o when they calve. Any input? This is a Dexter to be bred to a Dexter bull.
I appreciate any suggestions.