No blood tests
We did not test any of the cows for pregnancy last year. I had real trouble getting either of my cow people out to do this. So the way I figure they are either pregnant or not. Aunty Del is not. And within the next few months we will find out about the rest.
And Alex may be. She was with the bull for a good long time.
You can see her calf Txiki there on the right and Tia ‘my’ calf on the left. Tia is hard to get a good shot of as she is always close in behind me.
And here is a shot of Alex from the rear Ales does not like anyone behind her. We are looking for the ‘b’ for Baby. A calf will push her mothers belly out to the right side. I would have to change my font to find the handwritten ‘g’ that is the right shape for a grass filled belly (that goes out to the left) but you know what I mean. I don’t think we will see many changes yet as her first dates would be in May if Carlos bred her straight away. Dexters are well known for being all belly anyway.
The udder is the best indication of pregnancy to me. Or tapping the right side of the cow with one sharp wack, and the calf will kick back. But this is for later in the pregnancy. And neither Alex not Aunty Anna are tame enough for that to be a possibility.
So we will still be watching and waiting to see if Alex, Lady Astor or Aunty Anna are pregnant. We still don’t know if Carlos the Tiny is even a viable bull.
Lady Astor was bred using AI – the only time I was able to get anyone out to the farm for this – so if she is pregnant she will be calving in May.
So, for now, we keep watch on bellies and udders and behaviours and see what happens next. And after I return from California (I leave Thursday of next week) and we see winter off, all the possibly pregnant girls will be brought back to the home farm.
Today I will finish Molly’s corner of the barn and bring her home. Another hopefully pregnant one.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
c
33 Comments on “No blood tests”
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Time for spring babies 🙂
Yes, almost time.. c
It can be frustrating guessing on whether animals are pregnant or not! Our three Lamancha does were breed in November, and we are pretty sure that at least two of them will kid in April. Every day I look and Olive Oil, the youngest, who hasn’t kidded yet, and is 2 years old, and wonder, ‘Is she or isn’t she?’ One day she’ll look pregnant, and the next day she won’t. It’s a waiting game, that’s for sure!
I just love her name – Olive Oil. c
I hope that most of them are bred. The thought of no milk isn’t a happy one!
Not a good thought but if Lady is not pregnant then I get to have a whole summer off – and that sounds kind of nice at the moment.. c
So sweet … two ‘sisters’ cuddling 🙂 Have a glorious weekend. Laura
arent they cute? c
All the babies are headed your way! I hope everyone who should be pregnant actually is!
That would be good – I do wonder about Aunty Anna – she does not look like she is changing shape at all – c
I found myself thinking just how populated your little farm has become. I love seeing the scruffy winter coats. I am a real greenhorn at livestock so I really enjoy learning about these “signs” and methods of determining fertility and pregnancy. Always learning, aren’t we?
And someone has been licking Tia all over – can you see the little lick marks? c
I haven’t the patience to wonder if our house cow is pregnant – we don’t have a bull, so I need to know for certain so we can take action if she’s not.
I feel fortunate to have a vet who will come out and do an ultra-sound, for the banner price of thirty bucks. Love my vet!
My bull cannot reach my milk cows either apparently but it all slipped past me this year. But I also feel like I don’t really mind a summer off – milking is pretty full on even if it is only one cow.
Oh I hear you there – milking seems a full time job around here when we’re in the thick of it 🙂
This is starting to remind me of my youth, growing up in London listening to the BBC Radio programme: The Archers. As in my daily fix of farming news.
Are you familiar with that radio series? Still running! Here’s a Wikipedia account:
The Archers is the world’s longest-running radio soap opera. The British production, which has had more than 18,150 episodes, is broadcast on Radio 4, the BBC’s main spoken-word channel. Originally billed as “an everyday story of country folk”, it is now described as “contemporary drama in a rural setting”.
Five pilot episodes were aired in 1950 and the first episode was broadcast nationally on 1 January 1951. A significant show in British popular culture, and with over five million listeners, it is Radio 4’s most listened-to non-news programme. With over one million listeners via the internet, the programme holds the record for BBC Radioonline listening figures.
Originally established to educate farmers and thus increase food production after World War II, The Archers rapidly became a major source of entertainment for urban as well as rural audiences, attracting nine million listeners by 1953.
Gosh, I would love to hear that. I have always described this blog as a soap opera for animals! c
Try this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08g2tys#play
I am looking forward to seeing all the new babies …..hugs and wishes for all to go well!
It will be a few months yet I think – for the cows anyway.. c
I was wondering if cows are like humans; if you put a bunch of women together eventually all their cycles align (and the collective PMT becomes dreadful to contemplate). Do the cows come into season at different times or is there a spate of seasons all at once?
I have not noticed that – I don’t think so – this season i will have to bring the milk cows into heat artificially so I actually can book someone to come out and breed them – then they will all cycle at the same time.. c
You are growing your herd! It’s always a fun time…calves. Then lots of more mouths and tummies to feed.
There will be lots sold this summer too – hopefully.. c
Filling the pocket is always a good thing!
Good job we don’t whack pregnant ladies tummys to feel the baby kick! 😂
And those human babies don’t kick on command either!.. c
Something tells me any pregnant woman anybody tried to punch in the belly wouldn’t hesitate to punch back! 😉
Kath
The season is turning with talk of calves, and I noted some nice sunshine in both your pics here and Sheila’s Insta cameo (currently featuring below) ☉
She loves her little walk – such a dear that pig..c
Fingers crossed for the pattern of not so tiny hooves!
Good luck with all those udders and bellies! I’m in love with that cat 😍