Cow rears eight calves in four-and-a-half years
A beef cow has incredibly reared her eighth calf despite being less than seven years old.
The cow, out of a Limousin cross by a Hereford bull, first gave birth on 11 April 2010, to a bull.
Since then she’s given birth to two sets of twins, two bulls and one heifer.
“She’s a big cow, but she’s exceptionally quiet,” said her owner John Burrows, of Rookery Farm, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avon.
See also: Cow gives birth to triplets – of three separate breeds
“Every year she has calved inside the 12 months and in the last two years she has calved at 10-month intervals, which is quite amazing.
Calving timeline
- Cow born: 23 January 2008 (Six years, 10 months old)
- Calved: 11 April 2010 (bull), 30 March 2011 (bull & heifer twins), 16 March 2012 (bull), 24 February 2013 (heifer), 22 December 2013 (bull & heifer twins), 24 October 2014 (bull)
- The 2012 calf sold at 13 months old in Ross-on-Wye store cattle market for £1,170
All calvings have been full term, none premature.
“It must be some sort of record. I’ve never heard of anything like this – it’s quite exceptional.”
Mr Burrows, 72, said his family has farmed at Rookery Farm for 97 years. He is winding down the business and has 20 cows left.
“My daughter has a pony club and riding establishment. That has taken over a bit,” he explained.
- Have you got a cow that has been more prolific? Let us know by calling the newsdesk on 020 8652 4905 or email philip.case@rbi.co.uk