Look who Alan found in the barn this morning! On his BIRTHDAY, even!
How fun is that! Way to GO, Dixie!
This is the first photo I took of the new baby. It was early (about 7:10am) and it's cloudy today, so there was little light coming into the barn. This makes for tricky photography when there's no on-camera flash either!
I was just out at the barn a bit ago and witnessed breakfast. Yay! Seeing a new born calf eating is a very good thing. The sooner they start nursing, the better. It's important for them to get vital antibodies from colostrum that's produced by the mother for only a short amount of time after the calf is born. I also witness some "weeing", so it would seem we've got a little heifer! Yay!!
Thank you for all the congrats! We're pleased! Dixie is cranky...but I would be too.
If you're wondering what breed of cattle we have, we raise Dexter cattle. Dexters are considered to be the smallest breed of cattle in the US, which makes them perfect for small farms. Cows mature to 750-800 pounds, and are typically 36-42 inches high at the shoulder. Bulls mature to 1000-1100 pounds and 38-44 inches high at the shoulder. The little calf born here today weighs about 30-35 pounds. Learn more here.
Finally! Yeah, and a great present for Alan!
Posted by: Katie Skiff | April 24, 2008 at 07:15 AM
I told you she was waiting for a storm! I feel like going out and telling all my donkeys... DIXIE HAD HER BABY!!! Cheyenne is no closer so I still wait on her!
CONGRATS! and do we know what it is yet?
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | April 24, 2008 at 07:14 AM
What a darling birthday gift for Alan! Congratulations to Dixie! What a sweetie!
Posted by: Michelle Adams | April 24, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Yeah!!!!! Congrats to the new mama :) What an awesome birthday gift.....I can't think of anything better!!! What a sweet baby, I'm looking forward to seeing lots of new baby pics.
Posted by: Meredith | April 24, 2008 at 07:10 AM
I can't believe how excited I am over a birth of a cow. I have been checking daily on "Dixie". This is too cool to have the calf born on Alan's BD. Here's to hoping it is the girl you wanted.
Posted by: Kristyn Sinnott | April 24, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Dixie knew what she was doing...She was waiting for that special day to have her baby!! Sorry, but I am not really smart when it comes to animals and I can't tell from the photo, but did she have a boy or a girl?? And, what about a name??
Posted by: Karyl | April 24, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Dixie knew what she was doing? She was waiting for that special day to have her baby!! Sorry, but I am not really smart when it comes to animals and I can't tell from the photo, but did she have a boy or a girl?? And, what about a name??
Posted by: Karyl | April 24, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Woohoo Dixie! You cheeky thing making us wait so long! Your baby is beautiful and look healthy. Happy Birthday Alan. Couldn't get a better present I think. You guys have a wonderful day of celebration...
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | April 24, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Awwwwwwwww...congratulations, Dixie!
Posted by: Leslie Miller | April 24, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Hooray! Guess Dixie was just waiting to give Alan a special bday present! ;)
Posted by: dtstampz | April 24, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Yeah!!!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!! Celebrating with you.
Posted by: Mary Duffek | April 24, 2008 at 06:44 AM
I have been waiting!
Congratulations...:-)
If it is a girl you could name her Ali...
Gramma Dar
Posted by: Gramma Dar | April 24, 2008 at 06:44 AM
yeah! I have been checking and checking and checking and checking! Congratulations!
Posted by: Sandy (sandy stamps on SCS) | April 24, 2008 at 06:35 AM