Post by susaq on Apr 15, 2019 23:03:51 GMT -5
I think I have minerals covered. I have never had any cows, or heifers not breed, with the exception of Dolly. We are not in a selenium deficient area, so that's covered. I am sending the bull off to freezer camp soon, and the 7 month old bull can be kept away from her. There are no other cows on any of our fence lines. I don't have to worry about a neighbors bull.
When 45 days have gone by I will have a vet out to ultrasound her. Then we can check for reproductive issues, like a cyst. Also, I will have blood drawn and tested for everything the vet and I, and all of you can think of.
Natalia has a lot of good things for me to try on Dolly. I'm going to try them all. There is nothing to loose, but everything to gain. I'm going to get the Sepia on Wednesday when I go to town.
katie k I'm so sorry you had to put Ruby in the freezer. You are so right about it being emotionally taxing. I worry about this a lot. I'm not going to build a herd with Dolly. Eventually I would want a replacement heifer from her, but mostly I just want the wonderful golden Guernsey milk, and she just happens to be a2a2. That isn't an important thing for my family. I can breed for a calf in the winter. I've had cows calve just about every month of the year since I've been here, so timing isn't a big thing. I don't like summer calves, but I've had them born during the hot summer months.
brigitte I'll be sending a message to the guy that had her. I've talked to him before, and he's a real nice guy.
On a better note Jewel my other Guernsey that might have a little Jersey in her is bred, and developing a very cute udder! My bulls I have, and have had all have calves on the ground, or coming. The neighbors bull has a lot of calves on the ground right now. Finding a fertile bull has never been the problem.
I may have to start a thread for Jewel just so we have something good to look forward too. She's a much smaller girl, and is just as sweet as Dolly. These girls are so very loving. Dolly has plenty of time to get bred. She turned two in March. I'm not going to cull her until I've done everything possible to get her to settle.
You guys have a lot of great advice, and I intend to try all of it. 3cows I'll be getting a breeder mineral on Wednesday when I'm out. Anything else you guys think I need to get let me know and I'll put it on my list. Thank you all for helping!