At 10:00 this morning, cow 940 was alone at the southern end of the eastern pasture. She was standing still with her neck bent towards the ground. She was happy for me to approach, but remained in this position rather than raising her head to enjoy her usual head strokes. I gave her a thorough check over, paying particular attention to her neck and shoulders, but couldn't find any signs of injury. I contacted Ned from HIWWT, sharing some photos and videos. Ned advised that when they saw her on Friday, she wasn't her usual self. The vet had suspected that something was irritating her gut lining and had taken samples in the hope of getting a more accurate diagnosis, to help determine the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, Brie had been given antibiotics and painkillers. Ned thought the painkillers may have been masking her symptoms when I saw her yesterday, which would explain why she appeared normal. Her output on the NoFence app had also remained around average until last night. I stayed with her for a while before moving off to check the other cattle, but continued to monitor her from a distance.
A mixed group of eighteen cattle were grazing at the southern end of the pasture near the woodland. By 10:45, they had started settling down in the sunny but windswept pasture. Several wandered over to say hello and enjoy plenty of strokes and rubs before lying down to rest. Youngster 222 was his usual affectionate self, greeting me with a gentle head rub before leaning in for a neck and back scratch. Shortly afterwards, youngster 219 wandered over to greet me before settling in for a lengthy back scratch. Once we'd finished, he lay down at my feet. The others were happy to be checked while resting, with most enjoying plenty of fuss.
Steers 35 and 217, along with cow 72, preferred to rest in the shade of the trees in the corner by the stile. They were all looking very comfortable as they relaxed and chewed their cud. Steers 30 and 197, along with cow 211, were grazing in the bushes near the water troughs, enjoying an assortment of leaves. By midday, all three emerged from the thicket and wandered over to say hello before lying down next to the large group of resting cattle. Cow 211 was especially friendly, thoroughly enjoying a lengthy neck and back scratch before settling down to rest.
The water trough connected to the bowser was still full, while the other trough was now empty. I gave the connected trough a thorough clean, removing all the leaves floating on the surface. The bowser still had plenty of drinking water, with just under half a tank remaining.
Afterwards, I went to spend some more time with the herd, who were still resting. Several stood up as I made my way around, keen to enjoy back scratches before settling back down. Youngster 227 preferred to roll onto his side so he could enjoy belly scratches. The twenty-four cattle were all happy, relaxed, and looking well.
Around 11:00, cow 940 wandered over to the woodland near the eastern perimeter fence, near ///tune.pitching.flush, where she once again stood still with her head pointing towards the ground. At one point, she lay down to rest, but was back on her feet within ten seconds. She remained in the woodland for some time before emerging and standing beside the path. Throughout my visit, I didn't see her attempt to graze, chew her cud, urinate or defecate.
After saying goodbye to the main herd around 13:10, I went back to check on Brie. She had moved further into the pasture but was still standing quietly, either with her nose against the grass or her head held about a foot above the ground. She was happy for me to sit down beside her and occasionally stroke her neck. I updated Ned before saying my goodbyes shortly after 13:30.
Ned intends to collect Brie tomorrow morning and take her back to the farm. Hopefully, the results of the vet's tests will be back by then, allowing her to receive the correct treatment. Wishing the gorgeous Brie a speedy recovery.
With the exception of cow 940, the cattle were all good today.
Photos to follow later.
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