Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Newest Member of the Herd

An exciting day--today LaFonda's calf was born.  I had a feeling today would be the day, because although she ate  her morning grain, LaFonda seemed much less enthusiastic about it than usual. Then, an hour or so later I found her with standing with her tail held up in a funny way - that's a sign. I saw her water break about noon, but she kept standing up, not lying down so labor could progress. I was afraid I was distracting her so I left for ten minutes and when I returned, she was already licking her  muddy, wet calf clean.
He's a little bull calf. I got to watch him stand on his  wobbly legs.
He is pretty big - about 60 pounds, with long legs.
 He is totally white except for his brown ears and muzzle. In appearance he takes after his father's side of the family; his sire is a British White Park, but he is big like his mom.  I hope he is naturally polled (hornless) like his father so we don't have to decide about dehorning him, and I hope he inherits his mother's patient, gentle nature.
Lariat  also checked him over.
He is so darn cute! I had a trying 3-hour session of attempting to milk LaFonda with my new bucket milker tonight.  That is a story for another post, but I am sure the entertaining antics of these delightful calves all summer will make it worth all the frustrations!

Our herd.



8 comments:

Becky said...

Congratulations! What a big, adorable calf! Hopefully Lafonda will settle into milking again soon.

katiegirl said...

Congratulations!!! He's beautiful!!!

Unknown said...

yeahhh Congratulations! I am so glad it went smoothly and he is rather adorable ;)

Unknown said...

Wow, what a cutie! Any names yet?

The Starved Idiot said...

gorgeous calf - still smiling from the video!

-Bethany

Mary said...

Congratulations!!! Still waiting here for my babies. Was she bred to a Dexter? I couldn't remember if you said. LaFonda is so beautiful. Can you tell us about the history of the White Parks?

Enjoy your day

Sandy Miller said...

Well if that doesn't scream spring not sure what does. What a cutie!! Congratulations!!

DreamRiver Farm said...

Congrats!!! both calves are cuties. I'm still waiting on two of mine, think one is going to explode.