Post by tina on Jun 6, 2008 10:42:02 GMT -5
Thank you for reading this post---I need help with perspective on this one.
I'll get right to the heart of the matter----Jesse's right rear quarter has Staph A (sub-clinical)----other 3 qtrs. are clear as are all four of Dutch's.
Calves are just over a month old and we are milking OAD---separating at night.
In hindsight, I realize that Jesse must have had this infection a couple of months prior to calving. When I would run her through the stanchion to get her accustomed to the routine I'd handle her udder--her RRQ had a small fibrous area in it, but, being new to all of this and not realizing that heifers can become infected with Staph A prior to calving I just thought it was a "garden variety" difference in tissue structure.
I've read all I can find on the board and have two scenarios that I'd like your input on.
1. Cull Jesse immediately and put both calves (1 mo.) on Dutch
Would I need to milk in addition to her having both calves?
This scenario would be the simplest, most safe and probably preserve the highest quality of life for the greatest number of critters. The remaining three would continue to have open access to stalls/pasture.
2. Keep Jesse, as a nurse cow to both calves, for the next 3 months.
Again, would I need to continue to milk her---will she producing too much for the two calves?
This scenario has a few advantages too. Due to keeping Dutch separate from the other three we will, in effect, be weaning Dutch from her boy now rather than later.
Until I have some clarity on this decision the calves are with Jesse and Dutch is separated from all.
How long will she continue to moooooo (stress) over the separation from her calf if they are able to see one another?
We have no way to separate them where they can't see each other. Actually, they can touch noses but absolutely can't nurse through the wire.
We can continue to provide milk to our cow share folks who are an wonderful group of people---only one of whom I need to coordinate with. This also helps with the expenses.
Jesse gets to hang out with us for a little longer...
Hard part----If she is producing too much for the calves I will need to milk her separately and discard the milk increasing the ever constant threat of cross contamination.
While we have different pens/pastures---access to and from is limited and would make moving them around somewhat difficult.
Please let me know what your ideas/opinions are as I'm having a difficult time seeing the forest through the trees.
Thanks,
Tina
I'll get right to the heart of the matter----Jesse's right rear quarter has Staph A (sub-clinical)----other 3 qtrs. are clear as are all four of Dutch's.
Calves are just over a month old and we are milking OAD---separating at night.
In hindsight, I realize that Jesse must have had this infection a couple of months prior to calving. When I would run her through the stanchion to get her accustomed to the routine I'd handle her udder--her RRQ had a small fibrous area in it, but, being new to all of this and not realizing that heifers can become infected with Staph A prior to calving I just thought it was a "garden variety" difference in tissue structure.
I've read all I can find on the board and have two scenarios that I'd like your input on.
1. Cull Jesse immediately and put both calves (1 mo.) on Dutch
Would I need to milk in addition to her having both calves?
This scenario would be the simplest, most safe and probably preserve the highest quality of life for the greatest number of critters. The remaining three would continue to have open access to stalls/pasture.
2. Keep Jesse, as a nurse cow to both calves, for the next 3 months.
Again, would I need to continue to milk her---will she producing too much for the two calves?
This scenario has a few advantages too. Due to keeping Dutch separate from the other three we will, in effect, be weaning Dutch from her boy now rather than later.
Until I have some clarity on this decision the calves are with Jesse and Dutch is separated from all.
How long will she continue to moooooo (stress) over the separation from her calf if they are able to see one another?
We have no way to separate them where they can't see each other. Actually, they can touch noses but absolutely can't nurse through the wire.
We can continue to provide milk to our cow share folks who are an wonderful group of people---only one of whom I need to coordinate with. This also helps with the expenses.
Jesse gets to hang out with us for a little longer...
Hard part----If she is producing too much for the calves I will need to milk her separately and discard the milk increasing the ever constant threat of cross contamination.
While we have different pens/pastures---access to and from is limited and would make moving them around somewhat difficult.
Please let me know what your ideas/opinions are as I'm having a difficult time seeing the forest through the trees.
Thanks,
Tina