A Crazy Busy Day

Woke up again to the phone ringing and a new calf.  Turns out it was a set of twins, a bull and heifer to be exact.  One unusual thing in cattle is if a set of twins is mixed, the heifer is infertile with reproductive parts either deformed or missing.  The rest of the day was spent doing a bunch of miscellaneous catch up--
*one heifer calf is sick & treated for pneumonia
*dry cow has diarrhea which is a sign of fever.  104 temp (101 normal), suspect pneumonia also and treated *sorted animals in the lower building after worming them and giving a V9 shot--smaller ones will be taken to Ed's to eat at the bunk.--larger ones were taped (a measurement around their chest estimates weights) and a new list of heifers to breed was created. --steers were identified and will go into the barn and get started on a transition finishing ration soon
*blood samples were drawn on all heifers for pregnancy rechecks
*mastitis goat has dried up that side but the kids are eating ok on 1

Working with cattle in the outside buildings is a challenge these days.  They are full and frozen and lumpy.  Its hard for the cattle to get around and can be a dangerous challenge for us working amongst them.  Hopefully we will get some warmer weather and thawing soon.

Today is Bruce's dads 80th birthday.  He still likes to come to the barn twice a day and sets up the milkhouse, carries the milkers out to where we start  & scrapes the alley.  He also runs the barn cleaner around and cleans up the feed alleys.  We have a lawn chair available so he can rest when he feels like it.  A few years ago Bruce did a health assessment that takes into account exercise, nutrition, blood numbers, weight, etc.  He was very excited to announce that he is expected to live to be 102 year old and could possibly get 3/4 of his "to do" list done!  I am sure that list will include doing what he can in the barn too!.