Our Wyoming Life · Video summary
Twins Born on the Ranch… But Mom Rejected One
A rancher successfully cares for a rejected twin calf, highlighting the critical importance of colostrum and the decision-making process for non-reproducing animals.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 📈Free-martin cattle, born as a twin to a bull, are sterile and cannot reproduce, necessitating a decision on their future, often as a bottle calf for sale or to be raised for meat.01:28
- ⚡Calves require a specific amount of colostrum (around 200g), which may necessitate multiple feedings or supplements if the initial dose is insufficient or not fully consumed.07:12
- 🚀The cost of colostrum supplements and milk replacers can be significant, but it's a necessary investment for calf survival and growth, especially when the mother cannot provide adequate care.07:32
- 🎯Providing adequate colostrum within the first hours is vital for calf survival, as it establishes gut bacteria and prevents lifelong health issues, making it a non-negotiable expense.08:36
- 🚀Prioritize sourcing high-quality colostrum for newborn calves, as its cost is justified by the critical role it plays in their survival and long-term health.08:51
- 💪The saliva produced by a calf during suckling is believed to aid gut health, reinforcing the importance of the suckling action even when administering supplemental feeding.10:25
Chapters
- 0:01🎯 Checking Twins and Mom Rejection
- 0:28🎯 Preparing to Take the Rejected Calf
- 1:23🎯 Feeding and Socializing with the Calf
- 4:46🎯 Bottle Feeding Details
- 19:00🎯 Feeding and Monitoring the Calf’s Progress
- 21:54🎯 Inspecting the Twins and Mom
- 23:01🎯 Storm Preparations
- 25:12🎯 Decision-Making About the Rejected Calf
- 25:53🎯 Reflecting on Future Plans
The digest
A cattle rancher on a Wyoming ranch documents the experience of a cow, Annie, giving birth to twins—an uncommon but challenging event. The video follows the process of discovering that Annie has rejected one twin, forcing the rancher to intervene by bottle-feeding and caring for the rejected calf. This detailed account highlights the realities of animal husbandry, especially the intensive care required for bottle calves, while also explaining the biological and practical challenges involved. The story is valuable for livestock farmers, ranch managers, and those interested in animal care and agricultural practices.
Twin Calving and Maternal Rejection
At the start, the rancher checks on Annie and her newborn twins, identifying two calves: a bull and a heifer. While Annie claims and cares for the bull calf (referred to as “the bowl”), she clearly rejects the heifer twin (the free martin), which she does not allow to nurse. It is common for cows to sometimes only raise one twin effectively, and the rancher notes that this is not unusual (00:01–00:30).
Annie’s rejection means the heifer calf must be separated for immediate care to prevent failure to thrive. The rancher plans to bring the calf to the shop and feed it colostrum—a vital nutrient-rich early milk essential for immunity (00:30–00:57).
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 5 more sections, and every new episode from Our Wyoming Life and the creators you follow.
- Free Martin Twins and Their Implications
- Bottle-Feeding and Colostrum Administration
- Care and Management of the Rejected Calf
- Preparing for Weather and Herd Management
- Future Decisions and Emotional Considerations