Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1513541
26 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Each cow needs to be provided with approximately 30 pounds of feed hay every 24 hours during the winter months on the Northcentral Montana plains. Our ranch utilizes less than three tons of forage in a single day. Depending on the size of the herd, it quickly becomes evident why so many layered stacks of bales dot the landscape throughout our state. Preferences for additional supplements and feedstuffs vary among producers, and each ranch's specific feeding program will determine how food is dispensed to the herd. We feed our cows a combination of forages laid out in rows using a large tractor and bale-scaering equipment. Conveniently, we can use the same equipment to cover the floor of the large barn with straw bedding for added warmth and moisture absorption. Feeding the Masses Even under the best care and the most watchful eye, cows and their calves sometimes need help geing through the birthing process. As many ranchers can aest, this usually occurs during the darkest predawn hours, when no one else is available to assist, and most likely during the middle of a howling blizzard. Various signals indicate a cow in distress, some more subtle than others. While most births occur without problems, the need for intervention is not uncommon. Many producers will coax the cow into a head catch pen for examination. is allows the cow to remain standing but restricts her movement. Lending a Hand e caretaker can then assess the position of the calf by reaching into the cow's vaginal cavity – yes, oen shoulder-deep – and feeling for identifying features such as hooves, knees, a snout, or a tail. Repositioning a calf lodged firmly inside a restless, uncomfortable 1,400-pound animal can quickly become a physical and mental marathon, but it is generally a successful process. Aer looping chains above the joints of the calf 's legs, it can usually be eased out of the birth canal by steadily pulling the chains in unison with the cow's contractions. Helping bring a calf into the world is never an elegant undertaking, but the reward is well worth the mess. Soaking up the sun on a winter day. The best time for playtime is – anytime!