| Author |
Topic |
|
|
maryjane
7072 Posts
|
 Posted - Aug 18 2014 : 12:11:54 PM
|
As promised, here are the photos of my miniature Jersey, Etta Jane, giving birth to Lacy Lou.
I was already at WSU taking a three-day intensive AI (artificial insemination) course. I'd checked Etta Jane in at the WSU Vet School for "calf watch" a few days prior because I had been out of town earlier that week. Etta Jane's previous calf was born 10 days early (no complications) but I didn't want her giving birth at my farm when no one was around to help her if she needed it. This time she was only two days before her due date (283 days for a cow). Her doctors said she started showing discomfort around 11 a.m. She started passing a mucoid discharge around 1:00. Her cervical plug passed at 2:50 (big loogie-looking thing that she promptly disposed of--down the hatch). I arrived at 3 p.m.
Once her cervical plug came out, things start to happen quickly. First her water sac protruded and then broke.
Being the neat and tidy type, Etta Jane promptly got busy and cleaned up after herself.
Look at her gorgeous udder! Her teats are nice and uniform, capable of giving both her baby and me an ample supply of milk.
Then she laid back down and had three more contractions. Two little hooves presented themselves.
Then a little nose ...
And out she or he came!
Born without complications at 3:30 p.m.
Momma got back up quickly, her instincts kicking in. She began to vigorously lick baby all over to stimulate her lungs, etc. and to dry her off.
I quit taking photos long enough to examine between her legs. YES! a girl. (Can you tell I've had a few too many bulls lately?)
Standing by are Drs. Lisa Pearson and Ahmed Tibary.
Her umbilicus was dipped in a chlorohexadine solution (2%) using a small syringe (no needle). It was done every four hours thereafter until Lacy Lou's two-inch cord dried out. (At home, I dip the cord in Povidone Iodine once the calf is standing, using a 1/4 measuring cup.)
Here's a fun video of Lacy Lou trying to stand up for the first time.
Group shot! Júlia M. Pásztor, 2015 D.V.M. Candidate (left), key person who took care of Etta Jane (Julia sent me daily text messages and photos--awesome future vet!), me, and Sallie Bayly, L.V.T. I always look forward to seeing the doctors and technicians at the WSU Vet School. Such a fantastic team!
 |
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~ |
|
|
pamijc88
19 Posts
Pamela
Pierson
FL
United States
|
Posted - Aug 18 2014 : 12:35:47 PM
|
| What great pictures. Birth is such a miracle. I have photographed all my births and each time I am filled with such awe.. She is just beautiful. Congratulations MaryJane and welcome Lacy Lou. Thank's for sharing , you made my day.. |
Loving farm life with my hubby of 35 years
My Mid size Jersey Bessie my just above mini Jersey Bit of Honey our two dogs Dora and Tilly and a yard full of chickens ... |
 |
|
|
NellieBelle
11214 Posts
|
Posted - Aug 18 2014 : 1:41:29 PM
|
| How absolutely thrilling! And nice you were right there. Etta Jane and Lucy Lou are so pretty. Happy for you MaryJane. Looks like things went perfectly. Never tire of the pictures and posts. Thank you for posting them so we can all share in your joy. |
|
|
|
chives
313 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
WA
usa
|
Posted - Aug 19 2014 : 6:40:37 PM
|
| Words cannot described the pure beauty of it all. Thank you for sharing. |
|
|
|
CloversMum
3486 Posts
|
Posted - Aug 23 2014 : 3:52:10 PM
|
| Great photos! I bet the WSU clinic was thrilled that Etta Jane was still there and able to birth there. And, what great timing that you were able to be on campus with your class and so close by! Wonderful all the way around!! Well done! Thanks for sharing it all with us... |
Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
![[flourish]](/images/flourish-txt_mobius.png)
Birthing Photos-Etta Jane and baby, Lacy Lou
![Heritage Jersey Organization [logo]](/images/HJO-logo.png){kind=logo}
