Bye bye Bill....

He was born on 1st September 2006 in a howling gale and lashing rain at 2am and with assistance from the vet [] He presented upside-down and back-to-front and was a big calf. Later that day Jo went down with milk fever and I thought we would lose her [] Luckily, both cow and calf lived to tell the tale.

Despite his inauspicious beginnings, he grew to a big strong lad and apart from a kick on the kneecap when I was trying to catch him so the vet could castrate him, he has been no trouble at all [8D][8D]

Today he was weaned [], separated from his little herd for the first time and has gone to live on the farm next door for 28 days [:0]. Then he'll be the most wonderful homekill for them.

This is Jo and Bill six months ago

It was his destiny ever since he was born, so why I am so sad? I think it's because I can hear Jo calling for him...

I like angoras 'cos this doesn't happen.

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At last! That has to be the most extended calf period ever! It's hard, whenever you do it. Just don't go all clucky and think about doing it again. []

Wots the bet he is back with his mommy within a few days.. that bonding to that, may I say it, LARGE udder, will be greater than any fence..
Yes sad, but hey a great life he has had..and he dies with a purpose, we just snuff it, and always at the wrong time:rolleyes:

Awww sad

Poor Bill. Poor Jo... but he's going to a good cause, and he won't know a thing.

Isla;149616 wrote: At last! That has to be the most extended calf period ever! It's hard, whenever you do it. Just don't go all clucky and think about doing it again. []

In another three days this calf period will be exceeded by Sophy's heifer Jill who was born on the 4th of September 2006 and is still not weaned [] As she is a heifer she has a brighter (and much longer) future than Bill [8D] I don't go clucky...except with goats...and it is definitely the end of Jo's career as a mother [}] She's had too many problem births [xx(]

beedee;149634 wrote: Wots the bet he is back with his mommy within a few days.. that bonding to that, may I say it, LARGE udder, will be greater than any fence..
Yes sad, but hey a great life he has had..and he dies with a purpose, we just snuff it, and always at the wrong time:rolleyes:

Luckily the farm has over 900 acres so they can put him a long way away...although I can hear Jo very clearly from here and sound travels up here [][]

smilie;149664 wrote: Awww sad

It is...he's such a big softie

Now, surely I don't need to worry about mastitis with Jo do I?

Cheers
Kate

Pumpkingirl;149667 wrote: Poor Bill. Poor Jo... but he's going to a good cause, and he won't know a thing.

I know - I'd be fine if only she'd stop calling to him []

When I had a persistent 'caller' of a cow (3 weeks and no let off!) I took her for a walk around the edges of the farm and into all the areas she wasn't usually allowed to go. (garden/bush reserve etc[]) seemed to settle her down once she had looked everywhere whe could see..might be worth a try..otherwise a good pair of ear defenders

Kate;149671 wrote: Now, surely I don't need to worry about mastitis with Jo do I?

Of course you do, it's Jo! [}]

Probably why I have never eaten anything that was raised on my properties over 20+ years. Having said that, I used to tame and bond big time with the wild youngsters that we bought in and then moved on to another property we had. When one was sent to homekill, I'd happily eat it on condition no one ever told me which one it was! Pathetic to most but that is me.

Poor Kate ,,,.it never gets easier
well maybe just a little bit with that first mouthful[}]
He had an awesome life which you will celebrate in his ..after life[^]
Cheers

[]Just started on my first home killed pet lamb. Pretending it came from the supermarket but its not helping. . It will be a while befor I can graduate to something as big as a beef beast.Trish

We wont eat Bill...we don't have a freezer so it's never been possible to eat our own livestock....which is just as well I think []

I've been told Trish that it gets easier...

Cheers
Kate

I've had no problem eating Burger at all! He is so nice and tender with a great texture. It was the purpose we got him for, he lived a happy life with friends and lots to eat and died quickly whilst still in his prime. Why be sad??? (mind you, saying that, I was a bit sad the day he went, luckily I was at work at the time)

OMG! I saw the title and thought it was Ronnie's Bill!