We could blame last spring’s atmospheric rivers, double our average rainfall for the season that kept us from branding our calves on the Paregien Ranch. Our heifer calves were exposed to our slick bull calves until we weaned in May, possibly bred that would miss our calving target date of October. A February calf instead would jeopardize the heifer and eliminate her from our replacement bunch.
When we vaccinated the heifers for clostridial, respiratory and Brucellosis diseases in June, we also injected them with Lutalyse to abort any short-term fetuses. Lutalyse is commonly used to synchronize heat cycles, especially when groups of cattle are to be artificially inseminated.
We’ve had an abundance of strong feed this summer, helping to keep our heifers in shape and cycling when we turn our low-birth weight bulls out in the middle of December. And as expected, they have been cycling, bulling, practicing all at once—a bovine orgy, a virtual humpfest.
Unfortunately, one heifer was crippled in the raucous activity, unable to put any weight on her right hind leg. We hauled water and hay to her for three days before walking her into the pen by the house. Shortly thereafter, she (Thelma) attracted a friend (Louise) who spent days and nights for week with her on the other side of the fence while the rest of the heifers were off grazing.
After two weeks, Thelma is much better now, and taking full strides. Louise was back again last evening to check on her friend. The bond is obvious. They may be twins, as we had several sets, but more than likely they were just raised together. Whether or not Thelma recovers well enough to make the replacement bunch remains to be seen. But either way, blame it on climate change and too much rain.
drycrikjournal 
Hello, a friend raised and sold cattle. I asked him about his feelings. Does he bond with cattle, etc. He explained the tasks that go into raising and maintaining cows and that, of course, he has their best interests at heart.
That cows, like other animals, bond and care for one another is good to know. Thanks for the Thelma and Louise story.
Keep the poems coming.
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Cows are, of course, sentient beings, capable of senses that may be beyond the confines of human understanding. To suppose otherwise is absurd. It’s easy for some in this business to see them as economic units only, but generally those cattlemen don’t spend much time with their cattle. But for old people like Robbin and I, going slowly and being aware of their sensitivity and hence how they think, makes them easier to handle and trust what we want.
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