abnormal calf

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

I guess if you're in the business long enough, you see more things like this.

A few years ago, I had one born without a tail, and another one

with an incomplete digestive tract (that one didn't live long, obviously). Yesterday, twins were born, and one has a weird head. Doesn't seem to affect it, has a good appetite and gets around well. Vet wasn't sure what to call it, other than an "abnormality".

Philip d · Nov 10, 2018

It?s different looking for sure but if it doesn?t interfere with your initial plans for the calf I?m sure it?ll be just fine.

IanC · Nov 10, 2018

Fist of the mutants for "Planet of the Cattle". Maybe have to put tin foil on your head to keep his thought waves from making you give him more feed.

Tramway Guy · Nov 10, 2018

Hydrocephalus?

Adirondack case guy · Nov 10, 2018

I guess you will have to name it Rover judging by it's short nose, and make it your best friend. Is there a second ear that we are not seeing???
Loren

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

Two ears... not the best pics, but it's there in the first one. Nose is actually pretty normal, just looks small because the head is so big.

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

The kids are calling it "Megamind", like the blue cartoon character in one of their movies.

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

THAT'S the term I was looking for. That's what the vet thought at first, but said probably not, after looking closer. He said those are usually soft, and the calves usually have mobility problems.

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

I normally keep all my heifers, but being a twin to a bull, it's likely a freemartin. My Dad raises most of my bull calves, but they often don't do well switching to his barn after weaning when it's cold, so I usually sell the bull calves (and freemartins) from September through January. I doubt the calf buyer will want this one...and its twin will probably only be worth $5-10, since it's on the small side... so I may be keeping more calves than I want to, or really have room for. I have six more due this month.

Bruce from Can. · Nov 10, 2018

How close were the dame and the bull related?

centash · Nov 10, 2018

Could just be misshapen by a hard birth or the fact it was a twin. I had some that looked similar and they eventually grow out of it.
Ben

JayinNY · Nov 10, 2018

May grow out of it, this foal was foaled 4/9/18, he was way down on his back feet, can't tell so much from the pic, but 7 months later he's fine, I don't remember but it only took 2-3 weeks for him to get right, not a favorite, but his mom is one of my favorites, nasty as she is!!

Fordfarmer · Nov 10, 2018

No relation at least 3 generations back. I tend to use outcross bulls when I see one with proof numbers I like. We've been 100% AI for more than 40 years.

abnormal calf

Fordfarmer

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Philip d

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IanC

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Tramway Guy

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Adirondack case guy

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Fordfarmer

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Fordfarmer

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Fordfarmer

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Fordfarmer

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Bruce from Can.

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centash

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