Tuesday, July 4, 2017

So Long Mucca the Milk Cow



Our primary milk producing cow has been for the last year, a lovely bovine named Liz. We brought her up from our old farm last July. Her companion for some time was a heifer (young cow who has never calved) named Mucca.

Mucca is simply Italian for cow. Una bella mucca!



Several months ago she became impregnated by our bull (God rest his soul, he died very suddenly shortly after the encounter. Insert rude jokes here) . She calved and consequently began to produce milk. It took a few days for her to catch on to us stealing milk from her, it's a loud machine, but she learned her new job well and for the last two months we've had an abundance of milk.



But, we knew this could not last as we did not need that much milk, and feeding two cows was not in our feed budget, plus Liz produces enough to sustain us and Mucca's calf who was separated from her mother weeks ago. It wasn't an easy decision since both cows are gentle, healthy and good producers. I  left it mostly up to Keith says he milks more than I do.  He's the dairy guy whereas I specialize in the bacon side of our tiny operation.

I do like our Red Wattle pigs.

He finally decided to sell Mucca as we've owned Liz much longer and feel especially loyal to her. In addition Mucca's calf is female and if we need to replace Liz in a couple years (she is nearly 8) we'll have a ready replacement. If Liz stays strong and healthy, Mucca's calf gets in line at the locker.

So Mucca was listed on Craigs list and the local Facebook pages.  Within a couple days a gentleman with nine children came to see her. He liked her. He bought her and off she went to her new home but not without a few shenanigans.

While loading her into  the livestock trailer she suddenly decided it would be easier to eat the hay placed in there for her,  in the prone position.




No, she did not fall or slip and she certainly wasn't pushed. She just decided to rest while eating. Gives all new meaning to the phrase, "You Lazy Cow!"

Eventually she righted herself , with Keith's help, and arrived at her destination. Her new family fell in love with her and reports she is doing well.

17 comments:

  1. Always sad to see an animal go. The children will love her!

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  2. That's a seriously disturbing picture! I'm glad she chose this position, rather than slipping on the truck bed. I've seen cows slip and it's so scary to see a big animal go down. -Jenn (I like the name you chose for her!)

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    1. I know! I've seen toddlers stretch their legs out like that but never a cow! She looked surprised herself when she did it. For awhile we thought we'd have to deliver her to her new owners that way.

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  3. I see my cattle eating while laying down all the time! She probably could've gotten all the way in before laying down, but I'm sure she rode better with her face in the hay anyways. haha
    It's wonderful when you can sell a good animal to people that will appreciate her - with NINE kids, Mucca will always be appreciated by her new owners!

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    1. Yes, cows are not really known for their high energy level, but then again it takes a ton of energy to produce as much milk as they do.

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  4. She looks quite comfy on the truck bed though! It must have been hard to say goodbye, but it sounds like she has a good home now! :)

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    1. Last summer when we had to take some of our favorite cows to the sale barn...now THAT was hard. This was pretty good. When you know they are going to have a good home it's much easier to say BYE!

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  5. Glad that all worked out for Mucca, you and her new family.

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    1. We're all happy here too. And Liz is being babied more than ever. The Queen Mother of Cows.

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  6. She's a beautiful girl, I would have a hard time parting with her, but if she's settled down nicely it's comforting to know.
    ~Jo

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    1. A tough decision made easy by a family we know will love her.

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  7. What a choice to make. But glad it all worked out in the end. Now I don't watch much TV, but I am aware of the Kardashian phenomena. Heard of the shenanigans, never watched the show. But I have to say, that last photo, reminds me of Kim Kardashian, looking over her shoulder, at some fancy gala she was attending. Kind of bedazzled by the limelight, even though they know they're in an exposed position. ;)

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  8. Have to admit that my first thought was "poor cow falling" but your explanation of her shenanigans is hilarious. A tough decision to make, but it's lovely to know that her new family love her. She is very lovable! I've only just found your blog through Chris at Gully Grove blog, and look forward to reading more. Cheers from South Australia :)

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    1. Well hello back to you and thanks for dropping in. She was indeed very hilarious that day, or just in an exotic dancer mood as Chris above implies.

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  9. Mucca sounds like a real character, and I'm sure she'll make lots of fun--and delicious milk--for her new family!

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