A Calf Is Born - April 28, 2006

An 8:30 phone call from Robert. . . one of the cows is ready to have her calf. . . her water bag still hasn't burst. . . I gulp my breakfast, etc. and then drive to the outdoor maternity ward. It's 9:15 am. I park in the yard and walk with my camera to record the birth.
Robert pointed out the expectant mother, who wandered away by herself. He tells me that in a normal birth the feet are pointing up. If they point the other way the calf has to be turned.
Then he went to do chores. The cow and I eyed each other from a distance.
A pair of Canada Geese got a bit excited at my presence and flew away scolding and honking.

I zoom in on her from a distance.
Lie down Momma and do your thing . . .  Nice morning. . .

I gradually move closer . . . hey, the water bag seems to have  given way to something new . . . there's a pushing and a heaving  going on . . . I move right in with the camera . . . she's straining . . . ouch . . . and maybe thinking, "How come men have it so easy?"

Some more close shots . . . looks like a normal birth . . .out pops the calf . . . wrapped in a blue membrane by golly . . . (saran wrap?)

Momma gets that thing out of the way. You ever wonder why a cow has such a rough tongue? Well, whatever the reason, it sure comes in handy right now . . .

Okay there little feller, so you liked it better inside where it was warm and dark . . . don't be a sissy . . . just be thankful you didn't come outside two months ago . . . right now a meadow lark is singing in a nearby tree . . . pretty nice day to be born in . . .
Maybe you should get up on your feet, son . . . a little nudge or two or three might help you . . .

Up drives Robert . . . but shucks, he's witnessed hundreds of these births, likely ever since he can remember . . .  hey, the calf's up on his two hind legs . . . and now on all four and wandering around, maybe looking for the milk shake dispenser . . .
Well, guess that's all there is to it . . . not bad for a heifer and her first born . . .


Guess I'll go out to the garage and maybe show off the photos in the digital camera . . . and tackle a coffee or two . . .

Return to SimpsonSask.ca
Return to the pasture