March 31, 2005

Calves are coming as fast as sap is running

Two more calves were born yesterday, bringing the total to four calves is two days. Two heifers and two bulls. The second calf was born last night just before I got back from my school board meeting. When I arrived at the barn around 10:30 I found Josie out in the freestalls with her new heifer calf. The maternity pens were full, so I had to turn out Raven, a cow that had calved earlier in the day. Just to make sure she would do fine after being put out I gave her a 500 ml bottle of calcium gluconate under the skin.

IrmasBabyCalfdrinks0331.jpg

I brought Josie and her daughter into the now empty pen, and gave her some fresh water and hay. The cow in the other pen, Bess, had been treated earlier in the day for milk fever, a calcium deficiency. To make sure she was okay till morning I also gave her a bottle of calcium gluconate subcutaneousl (under the skin). The new moms and calves were set for the night, anyone who needed medical attention had gotten it, so I headed to the house to hopefully turn in by midnight.

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

Got a question about maple sugaring or the calving season? Drop Jonathan a line here, using the comment box below. He'll be sure to answer, between maternity ward duty and gathering sap buckets!


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Posted by Blogger Chris at March 31, 2005 05:41 PM
Comments

Pretty baby and hope your milk fever is limited and over for the rest of your calving season.

Posted by: Lesa at April 2, 2005 02:13 AM

Hi, Here in South Columbia Co.NY the sap has stopped running.I took my taps ( all 7) out today. I know what 6 gallons looks like but 700 ? amazing! My question is ; after the sap run is over do you treat the holes in 450 trees? I fill the holes with wax. I read that it helps prevents futher damage by insects and fungus. Thanks for taking the time to write. I look forward to the news. Helen

Posted by: Helen at April 1, 2005 01:36 AM

That is just about the cutest thing I've seen lately. Helen Dasher

Posted by: Helen Dasher at March 31, 2005 11:41 PM

We are eagerly awaiting the names of the new members of your family!

Posted by: Rachel at March 31, 2005 06:40 PM