Another calving last night around nine-thirty. Booth had a heifer calf by Leadfield Columbus. It was one of those times when things went south fast. It was a good thing we knew what she was up to and Becky went over and checked after supper.
The calf wasn't too big, no difficult presentation, but delivery slowed down right after the head was born and the baby inhaled some amniotic fluid. We laid her over a bale to drain her lungs and worked hard at stimulating her to breathe.
Mama worked hard too, licking her and nudging her.
I thought she was a goner, but then she took a couple of gasping breaths and shook her head, always a welcome sign. We went through a lot of paper towels cleaning out her mouth and nose and a lot of hay rubbing her ribs and ears and head, but by the time we left the barn she was trying to stand up.
Booth was gobbling hay as fast as she could stuff it into her mouth and licking the baby in between bites. Hopefully they will both come through all right.
On the way back from the barn we stopped to admire the stars and planets. With Mars, Jupiter and Venus all showing their stuff each night it is quite a show. The latter two are so bright they are like a big neon sign in the sky.....I don't know what they are selling, but I had a glass of wine when we got it.....seemed well earned somehow.
Hard work and all, that must have felt quite a lot like a miracle, didn't it?
ReplyDeleteWine and star show were richly deserved
ReplyDeleteWhat a night! Glad to learn that the baby came through. And yes, those planets are unbelievably bright, noticeable even in the city with all its competing lights. Even folks who never bother to look at the sky were commenting on those "stars" last night.
ReplyDeleteDon't know how you do it. Truly. Guess it helps to know what to do . . but, still . . . . Lordy. Hope mother and baby come along OK.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, those planets have been enchanting.
I notice the planets one clear night and didn't realize what I was seeing until I saw it on the news...its been cloudy ever since:(
ReplyDeleteThey weren't selling anything. Just keep eyes on the little one to make sure she was all right.
ReplyDeleteJune, it did. It was one of those odd things...there was no reason for the calf to have problems or be compromised, but she was. She is good now, thankfully
ReplyDeleteJan, thanks, sure enjoyed both
WW, it was wonderful when they were aligned with the moon earlier. What a sight!
Cathy, we almost didn't do the right things because the calf shouldn't have been in trouble...she just was. Thankfully she is fine now.
Linda, isn't that always how it works. We have had the weirdest weather. Thunderstorms and really rotten soaking rains all day, then clear and starry at night.
Joated, now that's a good thought! I will be so glad when calving is over and we can go back to what passes for routine around here.