Lynn Kramer, a wannabe Family Cow Keeper, writes of our forum:
I really appreciate having the opportunity to ask, and have answered, so
many of my questions. And meeting folks who are new to the process was
particularly helpful. It really highlighted for me that you have to
figure out what works for both you and the cow, and there are many
choices and options in the process of finding your own path. I can't
wait to get started.
Here are a few highlights:
A COWgregation of Cow-Keepers gathered on Feb 23 to share tails and ruminations about their cows... and were treated to grazing from a breakfast banquet of local foods:
Inspiration Blend coffee and Chai tea made with
milk from Thorncrest Dairy
were generously provided by
Coffee, Tea, Etc. of Goshen.
Sourdough whole-grain breads from Bantam Bakery,
A variety of Artisan Cheese from
Rustling Winds Creamery,
Nodines' Sausage and Willie's honey.
Alton Earnhart of Lightening Tree Farm, shared the ins and outs of producing organic feed for livestock, Debra Tyler gave a quick electric fence demonstration with her favorite tricks and tools.
A cow panel described their methods of milking, housing, and caring for their cows.
Wyatt Whiteman baked an udderly delicious cake for our potluck
Dr Angela Grecco, DMV gave a talk on cow care; pre-, post-, and during calving. She demonstrated using chains to help pull a calf. Chains, versus rope, allow blood to continue circulating through the calf's hooves even when under great pressure. The calf is presenting properly when the front hooves appear first (top up), one over the other followed by the calf's nose. To better distribute the stress and decrease chances of breaking the calf's legs, she takes two half-hitches around the calf's leg below the fetlock and above the hoof. Pull down and to one side so the calf's spine flexes helpfully. By pulling on one leg at a time, the shoulders angle and are less likely to get jammed in the mother's pelvis.
To prevent infection, she showed us how to swirl the calf's navel stub in iodine using a small paper cup.
She emphasized the ideal dry period for a cow is 60 days before she calves, feeding considerations to reduce the chances of milk fever,and preparing an easily accessible birthing site for your cow. 90% of calvings go without a hitch. Only 5% are improperly positioned and 5% are other health problems. Be prepared with the following supplies: a bucket, soap and water, gloves, lube, calving chains or nylon rope, 7% tincture of iodine, thermometer, calcium gel, an easy secure way to restrain your cow, and your vet's phone number!
Angela recommends this as a comprehensive resource for back yard cow keepers
The TAIL-END of our forum!
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