This blog was actually written by our dedicated veterinarian Dr. Erin. Thanks for putting this blog and Betsy’s big day together Erin!
Betsy and her dear veterinarian friend:
Yesterday we celebrated Betsy cow’s 19th birthday! We don’t know her actual date of birth but we do know she is right around 19 years of age which is considered quite old for a cow. Even without the stressors of life as a producing dairy cow (being bred every year, having babies taken at a young age and being milked 10 months out of the year), and all the care, freedom and comfort of sanctuary living, 19 is old for a cow!
Jersey cows are one of the oldest dairy breeds, developed on the British Channel Island of Jersey around the year 1700. The breed was highly protected for many years and not imported into the United States until the 1850’s. The oldest living Jersey cow on the Isle of Jersey is 18 ½ years old.
As we have mentioned before in the blog, cows are very family oriented, form deep bonds with their calves, are very protective of their families and are known to have “best friends” within a herd. Luckily for Betsy, her sweet son Nutmeg was able to stay with her for his entire life. It was hard on her when Nutmeg passed in the spring of 2023 but after a period of mourning, she eventually regained her energy level and her beautiful coat blossomed again.
Betsy is the oldest of the three cows at the sanctuary but is by far the most energetic and I would argue, the smartest as she is a known escape artist and has let the whole herd out their pasture on more than one occasion. As they say “the grass is greener…,” As easy as cows are to keep contained in a paddock or pasture compared to goats, horses, pigs or sheep, Betsy has taught us a lot about the importance of good fences and cow tongue proof gate latches.
Betsy on the “wrong” side of the fence:
Betsy is also the most affectionate of the three cows at the sanctuary. She loves to be groomed, tolerates hugs and will thoroughly exfoliate a caregiver’s arm with her rough tongue if given the opportunity.
Our little herd has never been excited about the usual cow treats like apples, pumpkin or even molasses infused horse treats so for Betsy’s special day, the cows were treated to an extra serving of grain, Willow branches and apple tree branches and Betsy got a lot of extra love in the form of scratches and hugs. Adventurous lady that she is, Besty even tried a cattail I offered her.
Happy birthday beautiful Betsy! We are so glad you and your little herd have the Hope, Love, Home CSNW life!
