Post by Multi-taskingmom on Nov 19, 2009 7:00:51 GMT -5
Sooo looks like we will be getting the Kerry cows - if all goes well. Right now we are scrambling to get a barn built. The owner plans to bring the cows into her barn (they have been in the pasture all summer) around mid-December. So that is when we will get ours.
We will be getting the 1 year old heifer and 1 or 2 calves depending. Still waiting for the one to be born to see if it is a heifer or bull calf.
Anyway our question is should we dehorn the 1 year old. She has a beautiful set of horns, but has not been handled much all summer, and we have young children and we are not experienced with cattle. I am also worried about her hurting the calf (or calves) if we turn them out together.
For safety issues we think we should dehorn, BUT I am concerned with the impact on the cow.
How traumatic and painful will this be to her?
If we did decide to dehorn what is the best way on a cow of this age? I have heard of a banding "thing" that takes about 4 weeks, I've also heard of having a vet "saw" (not sure if that is the proper term) them off.
If we did decide to take them off, should we have it done after she gets home, or before. I know we'll need to watch her for infection and so forth, so our options will be. Do it shortly(couple days) before she gets on the truck to come home or wait till she gets home.
What are your thoughts....
On another note, would it be better for the calf (3 months old) to have a buddy. If the newborn is a heifer we will get that one also, if not then we do have the option of getting a 3 month old bull calf that we could steer (already checked with the current owner to see if she was ok with this)... DH is hoping to train one as an oxen some day.
So in your opinion would the calf do better with a buddy or is it ok to bring just one calf home?
Sorry for so many questions, but we have a LOT to learn.
Thank you,
Marsha
We will be getting the 1 year old heifer and 1 or 2 calves depending. Still waiting for the one to be born to see if it is a heifer or bull calf.
Anyway our question is should we dehorn the 1 year old. She has a beautiful set of horns, but has not been handled much all summer, and we have young children and we are not experienced with cattle. I am also worried about her hurting the calf (or calves) if we turn them out together.
For safety issues we think we should dehorn, BUT I am concerned with the impact on the cow.
How traumatic and painful will this be to her?
If we did decide to dehorn what is the best way on a cow of this age? I have heard of a banding "thing" that takes about 4 weeks, I've also heard of having a vet "saw" (not sure if that is the proper term) them off.
If we did decide to take them off, should we have it done after she gets home, or before. I know we'll need to watch her for infection and so forth, so our options will be. Do it shortly(couple days) before she gets on the truck to come home or wait till she gets home.
What are your thoughts....
On another note, would it be better for the calf (3 months old) to have a buddy. If the newborn is a heifer we will get that one also, if not then we do have the option of getting a 3 month old bull calf that we could steer (already checked with the current owner to see if she was ok with this)... DH is hoping to train one as an oxen some day.
So in your opinion would the calf do better with a buddy or is it ok to bring just one calf home?
Sorry for so many questions, but we have a LOT to learn.
Thank you,
Marsha