As Katelyn noted yesterday, it’s already beginning to feel like spring. That means a lot around here, but I doubt anyone appreciates this transition more than the sanctuary’s bovines.
Every year, the small herd of four rescued Jersey cattle spend the winter in an enclosed paddock on the northern side of the property. This area contains their main barn (and a couple secondary shelters) where caregivers provision them with grass hay, alfalfa, water, minerals, and supplementary grain.
As the days get longer and warmer, the Moo Crew begin to spend more of their time roaming around the paddock and sunbathing. The muddy brown landscape slowly develops a tinge of lime green and the bovines venture into the creek to browse.
It won’t be until May that the pastures are mature enough to support these large herbivores. (There are several tests that we do to verify that the prairie grasses are ready.) At that time, the crew will pick a day for “The Running of the Cows“– the opening of the gateways to the larger grazing areas— and the bovines will be on their merry way to ruminant bliss.
With that being said, there is always a lot of work to be done before we can safely turn them out for the summer. First, the cattle need their annual visit from the hoof trimmer who makes sure their feet are ready for another year of strenuous trips around the hilly property. Dr. Erin also uses this as an opportunity to give them their annual vaccinations and quick physical exams.
Finally, the fencing itself usually needs a minor facelift. This task will be more difficult than ever this year due to the ongoing expansion of Young’s Hill and construction of The Bray, both of which will now occupy what was once cattle pasture. Instead, the bovines will most likely get access to the wooded farmland further up the slope which we will have to enclose with suitable electric fencing.
Last week, I took some photos of the cattle enjoying a couple fresh bales of hay in their winter paddock.
Honey:
Betsy and Honey:
Nutmeg:
Meredith:
While the bovines have been serenely waiting for pasture, the chimps seem particularly excited about the human activity around Young’s Hill. This afternoon, J.B. hosted some familiar faces who have volunteered to help furnish the new outdoor areas. As is tradition, the tour was mirrored by a few curious chimpanzees. (Unsurprisingly, one of them had to scout out everyone’s footwear.)
Volunteers Tom, Greg, Steve and Brian, with Jamie Chimpanzee & Co. in the background:
This spring will be busy and challenging, but it’s exciting to utilize more of the property and give the chimps and bovines some new experiences!
I grew up on a farm and we had what we called Blue Faced Jersey cattle. a couple of your herd appear to be the same. Their milk was half cream. We had a cream separater and sold the cream to a local dairy and fed the skim milk to the pigs. Best pork ever.
may I assume you have tractor implements for pulling and setting the posts—–hole digger, post grappler, etc…
It sounds like you all have your work cut out for you! It will be so nice when everything is finished. The pictures of the bovine are beautiful.
Meredith and Nutmeg are stunning with those black faces. I hope they won’t venture too close to the electric fence..ouch!!
You write :
“There are several tests that we do to verify that the prairie grasses are ready [for the moos]”…….I assume you’re referring to Negra! Nobody knows perfectly ripened grass better than our Neggie.
Excellent blog Anthony. The photos are lovely. Nutmeg’s coiffed hair (in the first photo of him) is pricelesss with that little curl right on top of his head. Looks as if he’s wearing a beret!
I am excited to see the reshaping of the property. Hope Jamie was able to share her plans with the visiting volunteers. 🙂
Ha! Ha! My thoughts exactly Kathleen. Neggie is the number one expert in Spring grass and sunbathing. Nothing escapes Jamie’s notice…..she could write a book about every detail of the happenings….who visits, any building work, which caregivers are up to date with puffed out walks etc. Has she started a book club with Cy yet??
Hey, Anthony!
Looks like Jamie is standing up to give those volunteers some direction! :laughing:
I’m always surprised at the beauty of those bovine faces. So striking. The straight on photos remind me of the faces of some deer I saw in South Africa.
Thank you Anthony for these beautiful photos!
I concur. The photos are more than professional quality, meaning copies should be made for sale, perhaps for notecards.
Great pics of the Moos, Anthony! Thanks for the lovely reminder of spring-things-to-come-soon. Am I incorrect, or do a couple of the bovines appear a little gaunt in the belly? If so, is that a normal winter circumstance? I’m glad they’ll be able to roam around more very soon. And glad to see Jamie on patrol per her usual job when being outside, especially if there are humans to be watched over. Gotta love it!