A Birthday Treat

A few weeks ago I asked D what she would like for her birthday at the beginning of May. The question had a two fold purpose – viz firstly to get something that she wanted and secondly to let her know that I hadn’t forgotten. She said she would like a day out, preferably at a property owned by the National Trust. Not too difficult as we are members and also if the cows could come back up to Marton by May 3rd it could be possible. The cows are now in the field bar two. One has a calf, which regularly suffers from bloat and the final cow due to produce a calf. Our stock bull has gone seriously lame – the vet thinks that a course of antibiotics will clear it up. I’m not convinced that he will be able to serve the cows, as it is a back foot. So we made a decision to find another bull. So last week we went to a Hereford breeder near to Bridgnorth who had one which would suit our requirements. After much deliberation we settled on Highfields P 1 Count – a twenty-month-old package of bovine testosterone! I think we will have to find a nickname for him – James or something similar (suggestions on an e-mail).
D’s birthday was on Saturday, so I wondered whether we could collect the bull and have the day out as well. The thought of all this in one day would probably be too much to fit in. She agrees, so we fetch the bull early in the day, then have the afternoon at home before going to Mellington Hall near Churchstoke for a birthday meal.

I’m not sure who coined the phrase ‘the best laid plans of mice and men’, but the day wasn’t going to go to plan. Yes the bull arrived safely and unloaded in the field with the cows. They came running over to check out the new arrival. There was a lot of sniffing and snorting and after a few minutes they calmed down and all James wanted to do was to eat grass. Later in the afternoon the last cow to produce decided now was the time to expel her infant into the world. Here’s the dilemma – do we stay and wait for the calf to be born or go for the meal and hope that she will hang on until we get back. I certainly didn’t want to cancel, so rang Mellington to explain the situation. “Come early, if you wish” the receptionist said. “Can you turn us around within an hour”, I asked. “Yes”, was the reply. Our neighbour said she would keep an eye on things whilst we were away and would telephone the hotel if there was any news.
The staff was very helpful on arrival and took our order and soon we were seated tucking into our birthday fayre. When we were ordering I was tempted to ask for a crocodile sandwich – and make it snappy. The staff has probably heard all the old jokes anyway! Just as the sweet course is served a lady appears at our table saying in a voice that most of the other diners can hear. “Your neighbour has just telephoned to say that the cow has had her calf, everything is fine and to enjoy the rest of your meal”.
The bill is settled and we are soon on our way home. It’s important to get collostrum into the new-born as soon as is possible. After a quick change we climb into the pen where the newly born calf is trying to stand up. All four legs are a 45-degree angle to its body in order to brace itself against a mother bent on licking every inch of her new-born. The rasping tongue eventually knocks the calf over but it is soon up again. It’s instinct is milk and with a little help finds a teat. Both are happy as the cow can still groom her offspring. We eventually retire to bed safe in the knowledge that all is well. D asks, “are you OK now”. “Pass the Rennies” is my response.

We had our day out today at Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard, perhaps later in the week I will relate our travels