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June 23, 2005 Layne is seen in this picture helping to deliver a baby calf from a heifer whose name is Skippy. Skippy was having some difficulty in the delivery process so Layne provided some support by attaching the calf's front legs to a calf-jack. He then proceeded to gently pull the calf while the mother cow continued to labor and push.
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Calves are born in a diving position with the front feet first and then the head. In this picture, Beth pulls away the amniotic sac from the calf's face, which allows the baby to take its first breath. She also helps ease the shoulders out of the birth canal. |
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With Layne still gently pulling, the calf slips easily out onto the gound. Most births only take a few minutes to occur if there are no complications. If there are complications, Layne and Beth are experienced to deal with most problems. If there is a problem they feel they cannot handle, a large animal veterinarian is called to assist in the delivery. |
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Buster and Jake watch the birth with great interest. Buster the dog loves all the new baby calves and is willing to clean up all the milk that ends up on their faces after they are fed. |
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Skippy and her new baby enjoy their first moments together. Skippy took a liking to her new baby right away and began to lick him. The new baby calf began to stand up within an hour of being born and he was walking proudly after two hours.
As of July 7th, 2005, Skippy's bull calf drinks over a gallon of milk from a bottle twice a day and is already nibbling at hay. This little guy sure has an appetite. |
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Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery410 Klein Road; Easton, PA 18040
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