Post by combsaj on Oct 4, 2010 22:18:24 GMT -5
I would love some imput- I just purchased my first cow and will be bringing her home on Saturday. Her history and age is unknown and I am purchasing her from an organic dairy that purchased her from another dairy. We approximate her age at about 6. This last dairy says she has always presented a clean bill of health, calved easily, and never had mastitis. The problem is that she is thin. She is due in January and giving approx 4 gallons of milk a day. I noticed that because she is a small jersey the other cows dominate her and push her away- I was thinking that the combination of being last to feed, being 6+ months pregnant and giving milk are the reasons she is thin.
It was just suggested to me that I should have her tested for Johnes disease. It is not a required testing in Washington so it has not been done that I know of and I haven't heard back from the dairy yet (left a msg. this afternoon) to check for sure. When I was told of her testing though I do not remember that being mentioned.
Johnes disease from what I can read up on causes a wasting away and diarrhea. I watched her have a bowel movement and it seemed fine- not runny, but soft. But I have also read that the diarrhea can show up intermittently and not at all when pregnant. The disease is usually contracted when young (6 months or so) but won't show symptoms for 4-5 years. Pretty much the only symptom that is presenting itself is how thin she is. Pictures of her last year show her sleek and round- but now she is thin. I will try to attach some picts of her on here to show- not sure how to do that yet.
So what do you think? Should I be concerned or not? Thanks- so glad to have found you guys!!!
It was just suggested to me that I should have her tested for Johnes disease. It is not a required testing in Washington so it has not been done that I know of and I haven't heard back from the dairy yet (left a msg. this afternoon) to check for sure. When I was told of her testing though I do not remember that being mentioned.
Johnes disease from what I can read up on causes a wasting away and diarrhea. I watched her have a bowel movement and it seemed fine- not runny, but soft. But I have also read that the diarrhea can show up intermittently and not at all when pregnant. The disease is usually contracted when young (6 months or so) but won't show symptoms for 4-5 years. Pretty much the only symptom that is presenting itself is how thin she is. Pictures of her last year show her sleek and round- but now she is thin. I will try to attach some picts of her on here to show- not sure how to do that yet.
So what do you think? Should I be concerned or not? Thanks- so glad to have found you guys!!!