Yesterday, likely during the afternoon while I was having a late lunch at the cafe, Ella took care of business on herself and delivered a heifer calf.

Heifer calf born May 7, 2009

We didn’t get home till after supper but Ella seemed to have everything in hand. I was concerned that I hadn’t seen the calf suck, and Ella’s teats still looked a bit dirty. It’s important for the calf to get the colostrum in the “first milk” as it contains the anti-bodies to kick start the immune system. I lured Ella into the headlock with some grain, tied one of her hind legs off, and had a go at getting some milk from her. I got a cup or so and tried bottle feeding it, but the calf wasn’t interested. At 1am I gave up.

This morning all seemed well, and I was relieved to see the calf get up and have a feed. So all should be well. The first three days are the most critical.

Ella and her calf born May 7, 2009

Here’s another picture taken this morning. Couldn’t find the digicam last night and the cell phone camera wasn’t up to the job.

I haven’t decided on a name yet. This is our first heifer calf (after 5 males, & 1 female twin who won’t be fertile) so it remains to be determined if her destiny is motherhood or steaks. It will depend on her nature as she develops and the gender of the remaining three (hopefully) calves yet to come.