In calf? Or not in calf that is the question??? - Problem!

LewisMoore · Post by **LewisMoore** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:13 pm

I seem to be having difficulty with my heifer Brinkley Brandysnap. at first it was in the show ring, minor problems and now i have a slightly more pressing one, getting her in calf. Last year we hired a bull for her mother, another of my animals and herself. Both the cows were have sinced calved. but about 10 weeks into brandysnap's pregnancy she came bulling out of sync, we think she may have re-absorbed? after countless attempts trying with AI we settled for an angus cross which annoyingly worked with AI. This time we thought we had her but recently her bag has swelled up, it looked as if she was going to calve sooner rather than later. then a few days ago my dad said she had some discharge as if she were bulling again. I am now waiting 3 weeks and praying she doesn't again.
Has anyone else experienced these problems?

Lewis Moore(aged 16)
Brinkley Dexters

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:21 pm

Sorry to be picky Lewis but your note isn't too clear. Is it 10 weeks since insemination or the AA bull or is that a long time and she is bagging up to calf down? Personally I think it is time to pay a vet and have her Pregnancy tested t see where she is. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and send her down the road, lets hope the vet can sort it for you. I would think Duncan will have some good advice if the info is clearer good luck anyway.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:15 pm

It is always very difficult to offer advice only knowing a little about the cattle and nothing of the owner or family's experience, but assuming that you are beginners given what you have said I would agree with Welshdexterboy and get your vet to have a look at this heifer sooner rather than later - one concern being that she may in fact have started to calve eg with a breech presentation or something similar which can result in very little outward sign. Torsion of uterus can also cause this but not likely in a Dexter

Imagine that, I am agreeing with a Welshman, in public too.

Duncan

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:41 am

That's the best way with Welshmen, Duncan, agree with them. They are a chippy lot and you disagree at your peril !!! Apologies Rob H .... only joking, I promise :D

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:51 pm

Well not wishing to be chippy as chips are so fattening but this is not the first time Mr MacIntyre that we have agreed and hopefully not the last, if however we do disagree may it only be a point of view and not personal. Hope the bowling is coming along, ready for the next AGM.:D

LewisMoore · Post by **LewisMoore** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:14 pm

it's was 10 weeks after the bull we hired supposedly got her in calf. she has since had AI to an angus an is due august but she is bagging up early. my dad thought she was bulling a week or two a go and she is due bulling again on the 3rd of may so were waiting to see if she does again if she doesn't i may ask for the vet to amke sure everything is runnig smoothly.
thanks for the help 'welshdexterboy'

Lewis

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:04 pm

I would advise having her checked by your vet in case she has been in calf to the bull all along. Would about now be right time if she had held to the bull?

Duncan

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 12:50 am

Don't you think it is a bit soon to be bagging up for an August calf Duncan. Lewis are you sure she is not just storing fat and she has a little tiny sort of swelling where the udder forms, or is the August date your AI date and therefore she is 10 weeks closer from the hired bull-- which brings her back to mid June-ish? I think, like Duncan said, the only way you will find out for sure is to get the vet to pop his/her arm inside. Having said that sweeping statement I have known vets say empty when not and vice-versa so dilemmas dilemmas you pays your money and takes your choice.:p