I'm about ready to give away a calving ease bull!

[ELBEE]

Last night I checked the heifers, then went to a meeting. I was back within 2 hours, found a heifer trying to mother a dead calf. No sign of stress on cow or calf, except calf's head was turned under it's shoulder. This is the third (first calf) calf I've lost by similar reasons this year. Some that I have witnessed birthing, have gone from "first sign" to calf nursing in a half hour. I've never had a group of heifers so speedy. Sometimes I think a little more trouble translates into better percentages. If I didn't know better I'd swear they're crossed up with horses. Maybe  <cowboy>  Red  <cowboy>  could start a birthing class for first time mothers (heifers).


Iowa, if your out there, these are 21R calves! 

 

[iowa]

Lee,

My 21R calves hit the ground and were immediately trying to get up. He throws small calves with a lot vigor and they grow after they are on the ground. If I were you, I wouldn't even think  of selling  him let a lone give him away!

 

[aj]

Which bull is 21 r?

 

[ELBEE]

ELBEE Influence 521R 4098614. Best bull for heifers we've had here since Gizmo's sire. Yes we do have semen on him.

 

[OH Breeder]

ELBEE Influence 521R 4098614. Best bull for heifers we've had here since Gizmo's sire. Yes we do have semen on him.

Mr Elbee

Do you have any photos of this bull?

 

[sjcattleco]

I will send Terry out to get him!!!  you don't need to feed all those good bulls anyway!!

 

[aj]

Could it be the female is standing up in partuition rather than laying down because its an easy birth? Interesting. Maybe calf hits the ground on their head or something.

 

[ELBEE]

I wish I knew!

Finally got to assist last night. The youngest of the group (20 months) went into labor about midnight, and at 4 AM I decided I wanted to go to bed, so I dusted off the ole' Dr. Franks. By 8 AM he (calf) had been up and nursed. He looks huge standing beside his momma, but still weighs less than 80. How much does a cows birthing (calf size) change with age? I say, all things considered, little, if any!