Pilgrimage to croagh patrick helped sick heifer

The oxford dictionary characterises a roller coaster as wild with unpredictable changes; this definition epitomises the feeling on our farm over the last few weeks.

Previously, I discussed a heifer we purchased that proved in calf a few months into her stay on our farm. As these heifers were purchased for finishing to beef rather than for breeding, the decision was made to abort the heifer using Estrumate.

Estrumate is a synthetic prostaglandin that causes luteolysis. A corpus luteum develops in an ovary following ovulation and is required for the maintenance of pregnancy. Luteolysis is the regression of the corpus luteum.

The end result of the administration of the Estrumate is an abortion of the developing foetus.

Estrumate is effective from week one to five months of gestation. We must have been just over the five-month mark with the injection as the foetus wasn’t aborted.

As I have said before, the goal of my research is to have heifers hitting puberty at an earlier age; this must have been the case with this heifer.
When an animal that is purchased is proven in calf the purchaser can return the animal to the farm of origin.

We chose not to as we felt the heifer may be ok. In hindsight we should have returned the heifer.

Three weeks ago today the heifer showed signs of calving. I phoned ahead to ensure the animals for my research project were looked after as this heifer had precedence over the others. I could not have imagined what was in store for this heifer.

Everything looked to be plain sailing then time began to slip away. The calf had to come and the heifer wasn’t able. It was time to intervene. Once handled, it was clear the head wasn’t in the right place. We had done our utmost to ensure everything was ok, but it wasn’t to be.

Unfortunately the calf didn’t make it. It was like a loss of a family member. My father and I, two dejected figures, had to face into a working day following the unsuccessful birth.

The animal that gave birth has struggled and has been unable to stand for the last three weeks. This happens in farming.

Credit has to be given to my father for his patience and perseverance, as he has spent time lifting her and getting power back to her legs. Of course, when I’m on the farm I’m also out with her. I was away last weekend; all I could think about was the heifer and was in regular contact with home.

My father was very positive that she would stand. This week brought a twist, as I prepared to head to work, a call came from the field. The heifer was standing on her own for the first time!

My father and I were a far cry from the dejected figures of three weeks previous. I think my pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick helped the cause.

Next step is walking but we will give her time, she deserves it.