Subject: Re: [Homestead] Heifer that doesn't show heat
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2013 17:25:25 -0500
> So I know nuthin' from nuthin' about cows, but at this time year I
> wouldn't expect anything to be going into heat. :-)
>
>
>>>
I'm hoping that as the days get longer and spring comes on.... I don't want
to breed her until late spring or early summer, but would like to start
seeing some signs.
> Do twins not reproduce normally?
>
> >>
Heifer calves that are twins with a bull are called "free martins" and they
generally are sterile. It's one reason that I don't buy heifer calves that
I want to breed at auction. I only trust cattle dealers a little more than
auctions.
I've never seen a free martin, but have been told that their udder does not
develop like a normal heifer and my heifer's udder seems to be normal.
There is a test that the vet can do, something about going in and feeling
if the equipment is all right. Getting a vet out on farm is not easy here.
This girl is so sweet that if I had to sell her for beef, I'd have a hard
time doing it. I sure can use her for beef here! One problem with getting
attached!