Post by mrskk on Feb 16, 2009 8:59:18 GMT -5
At the end of December, I reported that I felt the calf move when I bumped Buttercup. I haven't felt anything since then to confirm that I really felt the calf. I was trying 2-3 times a week, and getting kind of discouraged, so I decided that I would only bump her on Sunday.
I didn't feel anything yesterday morning and had decided I'd better get a vet out to palpate her, as I am planning on drying her off in about 5 weeks. I don't want to dry her off if she isn't pregnant. As Rachel and I were walking up to do chores last night, I was telling her how discouraged I was getting that I haven't felt anything yet.
I decided to bump BC again after putting her feed out and locking her into the stanchion. Rachel knew right away what I was yelling about - I got two really strong kicks back, then I was holding my hand into BC's side and it felt like a muzzle moving/exploring against my palm.
I can't explain it, but a really strong feeling came over me that this is a big bull calf. That is what I want, anyway. It is nice that Connie was a heifer, as I think I would have had a hard time eating BC's first, but we were really fortunate that Horton hasn't had any inclination to suckle on Connie. As I will probably want a couple of foster calves for the next lactation, it is a lot easier to manage if her own calf is a bull.
I have been very ecstatic since feeling the calf last night. I had been getting kind of down, thinking she hadn't settled, even though there have been no signs of heat. Now I don't have to worry anymore.
I didn't feel anything yesterday morning and had decided I'd better get a vet out to palpate her, as I am planning on drying her off in about 5 weeks. I don't want to dry her off if she isn't pregnant. As Rachel and I were walking up to do chores last night, I was telling her how discouraged I was getting that I haven't felt anything yet.
I decided to bump BC again after putting her feed out and locking her into the stanchion. Rachel knew right away what I was yelling about - I got two really strong kicks back, then I was holding my hand into BC's side and it felt like a muzzle moving/exploring against my palm.
I can't explain it, but a really strong feeling came over me that this is a big bull calf. That is what I want, anyway. It is nice that Connie was a heifer, as I think I would have had a hard time eating BC's first, but we were really fortunate that Horton hasn't had any inclination to suckle on Connie. As I will probably want a couple of foster calves for the next lactation, it is a lot easier to manage if her own calf is a bull.
I have been very ecstatic since feeling the calf last night. I had been getting kind of down, thinking she hadn't settled, even though there have been no signs of heat. Now I don't have to worry anymore.