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Post by fernwood on Feb 13, 2020 4:48:48 GMT -5
My tenant sent an email saying he had a cow about to calve. He put her in one of my barn stalls. Also grabbed a couple bales of my hay and left the $ for them.
I call some of his methods high tech farming on a budget.
All pg cows have a sensor inserted by the vet. A light is attached to their tail. The light changes colors to indicate the stages of pg. When calving is close, the light changes amber. When the cow is in labor, it changes to green. This info is available via a phone app, too. Tenant receives alerts when the light is amber and green.
He lost two calves that were born in a blizzard prior to using this method.
I find this a fascinating method for knowing exactly when a cow is going to calve. Far different than in the past.
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Post by fernwood on Feb 13, 2020 6:45:27 GMT -5
When I was a child on the farm, we knew approximate delivery date for all cows. This was due to artificial insemination. We tried to be careful and plan for non Winter births. I remember the one time, a great opportunity was present and we had to plan for a Winter birth. Sure enough, it was very cold then and snowing. My Grandpa and Uncle were great and knowing the signs for when calving was eminent. I had to take my shift, in the barn, watching my beloved cow Peanuts. She was considered mine and I had to do almost all care and miking of her. I had been instructed on when to get my Grandpa and Uncle from the house.
Imagine a 10 year old huddled in a barn watching and waiting. The guys did bring a heater in the barn for me. I had lots of blankets and a FM radio. It was a week night and I needed to go to school the next day. My shift, began at Midnight. I was able to get a couple hours of sleep before then. Finally, at about 4:00 AM, I was able to walk the 400' from the barn to house and wake up the guys.
By then it had stopped snowing and temps had fallen. Lots of wind and temps of below 0.
I slept for a couple of hours. Then got ready for school. Little did I know why this birth was so important until the guys insisted I go to the barn. My Peanuts, a Guernsey, had given birth to twin Simmental calves. They had perfect markings for the breed. This began our adventure in combining dairy and beef cattle. The Simmental breed was developed in Switzerland. Perfect for cold Winters. I was able to name the calves. I chose Patches and Coon. Booth had the traditional Simmental dark patches around their eyes. Those were needed to reflect the light from snow and prevent eye damage. Both were female. Both went on to give birth to some amazing calves.
Such wonderful memories.
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Post by taylor on Feb 14, 2020 0:08:48 GMT -5
Sensors??? Sheesh!
We scheduled for a six week period. All cows were checked once per day. If weather was unfriendly then older cows were kept where they could be checked more frequently. First timers were always under close supervision when they were within a week of calving. By close supervision I mean looked at every two hours.
Want your cows to calve in the daylight when its warmer? Feed them after 4pm!
Have no idea about cost of sensors...but it certainly could mean more sleep!
Glad I am retired!!!
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