Twins

[grassfarmer]

I have no problem using a home build "shark cage" in fact I used it this morning to tag the calf of an 18 year old purebred Luing. I've used it twice so far this year and have about 40 calves on the ground. The only ones I need it for are cows that were bought in off extensive ranches where they were worked on horseback. It took these cows a while to get used to being in 2 acre paddocks in summer and to have a person walking through them on foot! I feel no shame in admitting using this - I'm not breeding wild cows - someone else did and I bought them! Their calves are always very quiet with my handling. It's a safety issue and there is no way I'm risking getting a broken arm or leg which would hamper me for a year by taking risks with newborn calves. I also catch and tag (and weigh purebreds) all the calves on day one as do Soderglen. How many ranchers that condemn the "shark cage" don't tag until branding or weaning?

[cswilson]

So far we've the only set was a slip out of Megan's district champion 4H heifer-guess we just aren't a show outfit. As far as feet go-preety is as pretty does-I'm very selective when buying bulls as too feet but our poorer footed cows get bred to bulls we wouldn't keep a heifer off of. I just toured two studs in Alberta and saw alot of very unsound cattle of all breeds-on our outfit udder soundness is probably more important than feet but both are pretty critical when they calve on their own not much room for error.

[cswilson]

grassfarmer, you certainly do not have to be ashamed for admitting that you use common sense when handling your animals !!
Years ago and possibly still now in some operations cattle were tied to a post for any treatment, calving assistance etc., that doesn't mean that using a maternity pen or squeeze isn't a lot wiser,and using a calf cage is just another way of making handling animals safer !!!
When I work a cow, or treat a calf I want to be able to do so safely, and concentrate on the task at hand, not how fast I can move away from flying hooves or some old mama that has decided to send me into the next county !

[poto]

8 sets out of 120 cows so far.

[cowman]

Well you can have your damned old wild cows and spend your time trimming feet and milking cows...that is your right...so enjoy!

[cowman]

cowman, don't know who you were directing your message to...sure sounds like you have been eating grumpy pills !!!!

[cowman]

emerald: Just stirring the pot! Got to keep things interesting?