We've had new babies in the pasture every day this week, in fact,
some days it has been 3 or 4. Calving heifers, those first time mamas,
are often a little more challenging but I'm happy to report all have
calved without any problems that required assistance.
This heifer calved yesterday. She happens to be one of the "horned heifers"
in the group that are calving this month. Somehow these heifers did not
get dehorned when they were small calves.
Dehorning is done to decrease the risk of injury to other cows,
farmers or other humans. "Disbudding " of non-developed horn
buds is a fairly simpleprocedure that is typically conducted
the first few weeks after a calf is born.
Any dehorning at this point will be done by the veterinarian using
best industry practices to ensure the comfort and safety
of the animal through sedation or anesthesia.
I'm thankful that we have had no injuries to calves or farmers
and for the interesting conversations about horned heifers!
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