Cow-Calf Corner is a collection of timely management tips of interest to cow-calf producers in Oklahoma. This week, Glenn Selk talks about multiple births and keeping records on a freemartin heifer, which is an infertile heifer that is twin to a bull calf.
Cow-calf corner: Recording multiple births
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This is more of a question than comment. I had a cow have triplets this year (all survived). What is the statistical probability of a cow having triplets?
Half or less of a discussion on twin calves with a male and female. And BAD information as well. Record keeping isn't the issue, checking the heifer is more important. Freemartins occur in heifers that are twin to a bull calf, but NOT ALWAYS. Some of those heifers are going to be fully fertile and fully developed. Here's a "technical expert" putting out coffee shop rumor instead of passing on the right information.
Glenn, there is actually a probe that Veterinarians have available to check depth of the vulva at two differente ages of the young calf. The lack of depth indicates that the heifer will be a freemartin (going from memory here, but I'm thinking tests must be done under 30 days of age, and I believe under 7cm is definite, between 7 and 14 cm 90% probability of a freemartin, and 14 cm and over 90% probability of being a fertile fully developed heifer capable of breeding and delivering).
Dairymen probably see twins more often than do beef producers. Many of them believed the disinformation that you just passed on. But the ones who have researched and have good Veterinarians on their informal "Board of Directors" know to test those heifers of twins to make a good sound decision on what to do with that calf.
Tex Hall
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