Molly, a British White beef cow at Kyesland Farms in Jay gave birth unexpectedly Feb. 4. She is seen with her heifer calf soon afterwards. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
JAY — Thursday, Feb. 4, Kyesland Farms was treated with an unexpected delivery.
About 1:30 p.m. the last of a load of silage was unloaded near the paddock housing several British White beef cattle. When the herd was checked again less than an hour later, one of the cows had given birth to a heifer calf.
The British White is a naturally polled (no horns) British cattle breed, white with black or red points, used mainly for beef with a confirmed history dating back to the 17th century, according to Wikipedia.
Part of the British White herd at Kyesland Farms in Jay eats silage Thursday afternoon, Feb. 4. The beef breed features a white body with black or red ears and noses. The cattle may sometimes have darker splotches on their sides. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
“British Whites are possibly the most gentle cattle of any beef breed,” according to the British White Association of American LTD, formed in 1987. The breed is also known for its fertility, easy calving, growth, hardiness and meat quality.
Last summer, Kyesland Farms purchased several British Whites from a breeder in Kentucky. According to him the cow Molly was due in November, farm owner Jessi Fortin said.
Kyesland Farms owner Jessi Fortin holds Willow, a British White beef heifer born unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, Feb. 4. The calf weighed 51 pounds Friday. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Thursday, the long awaited birth occurred with no forewarning. Molly had the calf, named Willow in the outdoor paddock but they were moved to a stall in the barn afterwards.
Both are doing well and more calves are expected later in the coming months.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
