The Surrogate Cow

Just the other day, when I was trying to capture a calf birthing on video, in the calf barn {which I missed by the way} I snapped a few photos of a baby calf nursing on mama.  How picture perfect and mama wasn't too concerned that I was standing only a few feet from her and the baby.

But the most interesting thing about this photo is, this was not her own calf.

It is interesting that some cows will allow any calf to suckle, while there are others who will push away a calf that is not her own.  This cow is just happy to have any calf nursing off her to relieve her of her milk? 

It's no wonder why dairy cows seem to really enjoy and look forward to milking time in the milking parlor twice a day.

This cute little calf {one of a set of twins} followed this mama everywhere, even though her own mama was in the same barn.

From what I've witnessed with the calves, their top priority is to find milk.  Whether it be from a cow, a bottle or a bucket, they seem to be satisfied if the end result finds them some milk to drink.  And after drinking milk or eating, a nice, long nap is in order.

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Things that happen in the Heifer pasture

Spring is on the way and the heifers are ecstatic about it.  Why?  Play time is one reason, as you can see in the above photo.  These two girls were so excited to be let out on pasture, the just couldn't contain themselves.

During the rainy days the heifers live in their freestall barns and after a few days of dry weather, they're let back out on their pasture to graze on the grass that's been growing for them.

A couple of reasons they're not out on pasture during rainy days are; it keep the grass from being torn up by them running around on it and keeps the seed in tact.  Another reason is, pasture grass, during the rainy season, has very little nutrients to it and is mainly composed of water, but once that sun hits it and it begins to grow, it's full of nutrients.

{all of those nutrients which are great for cows, are also the reason Joey, is not allowed on pasture right now}

Here's a short video I took of the two girls playing from the above photo:

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Out With The Old, In With The New. ...at the Dairy Farm

After our doggie hike yesterday, we drove onto the ranch to find a load of rice hulls had been delivered!

Try and contain your excitement now, I know it's difficult.

Rice hulls.

Kids love um.

Cows love um

It's not food for the dairy cows, but bedding for some of them in one of the barns.  Out with the old, in with the new.  The old stuff is recycled by being spread onto the pastures to fertilize.  This happens about every four weeks or so and everyone is excited when it's here.

I have to admit, it is fun to let the rice hulls run through your fingers, almost like sand.  I can see why you'd want to just jump right in....cows and kids {and maybe me too, at times}.

I'm not sure what the kids love more, help driving the tractor, or playing in the rice hulls?

What is it with kids and them not feeling the cold?  It looks sunny and warm here but in actuality, it's sunny and 50 degrees.  I'll never understand the aversion kids have to jackets.

Bryce knows just what to do with the bucket controls.  I'm sure he's giving Paige a play by play with every maneuver, he's good like that..........

My father-in-law, George, drives the other tractor.....

It doesn't take very long to spread the rice hulls in the barn and the cows dig it!  They come right over and begin to dig and play....so darn cute.

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