One of the most special parts of running a cow-calf operation, is seeing the bond between mama cow and her baby. I captured some sweet moments over the last few days and wanted to share here. These “babies” in the pictures below were born in spring-2019. This is our first year on a delayed-weaning schedule. Normally, the calves would be wintered separately on the farm. It has been interesting to observe their behavior this winter.
Through the years, we have retained many heifer calves. We currently have three mother-daughter pairs (both of breeding age) on the farm. I enjoy observing the interactions between mama cow and daughter. I will often see a mother-daughter pair laying side-by-side, basking in the sun, with their big, pregnant bellies! And one time, I watched a cow head-butt her way into the mineral barrel and proceed to block entry for any other cow. Then, I saw her daughter walk up and I wondered what would happen. To my delight and amusement, she let her daughter step right up to the mineral barrel and get a lick.
I am far from an expert on cattle behavior. But, I have spent the last almost seven years observing the behavior of our cattle on the farm and there is no denying that at least for our cattle, the mothers recognize their daughters, no matter how old the daughter is. I feel honored to capture such moments as the ones shown below. Makes me look forward to calving season #7!
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