Calving - Ages of cows for calving.

[KEN]

Hi All

I am a first timer. Quite new to Dexter's. Can any one advise me on cow age when breeding for first time.

I have a six year old to my knowledge never calved and a twelve year old who has slipped at least one calf, but this must have been a
few years ago.There is one other factor the six year old is quite small. But both are healthy and fit.

Unless someone tells me different I assume that I wont be placing any undue risk on the six year old but is it wise to put the old lady in calf?


Thanks

Ken

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Hello Ken,

do you know anything about the history of the cattle? Has the six year old had the chance of being in calf or has she just not been served? If she has never been served she may conceive, but to be honest she is passed the best age for first calving by quite a bit. I presume you mean that the 12 year old has aborted on at least one ocassion. The significance of this depends on the cause, some infections such as Neospora remain with the cow and will affect her breeding future.s

Are these the only two you have?

Duncan

[KEN]

Hi Duncan

I have 5 others who are good stamps.

Only sure of history of past two years, but as regard to having the opportunity, I dont think either of them has as they were used as a grazing project.

The previous owners were going to put the twelve year old in the old cattle scheme but decided against and she came free with the other. I undertook to keep her. I don't know the reason why she aborted as this was two owners back. Aparenty she was well known in her day as she took champion in show at the Royal Cornwall. She still looks and acts as a fine animal. I would be prepared for calf aborting so long as I did not endanger the cows themselves.