Shortly after 12:30 this afternoon, all but three of the cattle had completed the first part of their TB tests and wandered down the eastern pasture to meet me. They were all rather wet, but that didn't stop them coming over to say hello and enjoy a few strokes and rubs. Cow 211 and steer 222 were especially friendly, taking turns to stand beside me as I brushed the water from their backs and gave them some scratches. Cow 211 was keen to show me her new collar, although it left me wondering how long it would be before she managed to get it off! Youngster 217 was wearing a new collar too.
Youngster 220 was one of the last cattle to have his test, but he came wandering across the pasture to join the others, stopping briefly to greet me along the way. He had received antibiotics during his test to treat a urinary tract infection. The HIWWT team had seen him urinating earlier, and he didn't appear to be straining as much as he had yesterday, which was encouraging. Hopefully, the antibiotics do their job and he makes a speedy recovery. Despite the weather, he seemed a little more sprightly today.
After catching up with the HIWWT team, I returned to spend some more time with the cattle, with all twenty-five now back together. The rain had intensified, and most had moved under the trees in the southeast corner to shelter. A handful preferred to remain out in the open beside the path, standing contentedly as they chewed their cud and enjoyed a refreshing shower. They were all happy to be approached, with most enjoying plenty of strokes and rubs as I made my way around checking on them. All twenty-five appeared happy, relaxed and in good condition.
I said my goodbyes at 13:20, leaving them all resting peacefully.
The cattle were all good today.
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