Very unsusual occurrence in Jersey cows
This is Lady's third calving and she never had twins before
Gail Clarke from the farm Grasslands on the Mara/Boulders road was blessed two weeks ago when her Jersey cow, Lady, gave birth to two female calves.
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There is a 5% of change in Jersey cows to give birth to twins. In theory 25% of twins born to Jersey cows should be two bulls, 25% two heifers and 50% should be a mixed set with one bull and one heifer.
It is not uncommon to find twins at the 30 day check and then find that one calf or both calves have died at the next pregnancy check. It is also more likely for a cow carrying twins to lose the pregnancy later in gestation. Cows carrying twins tend to calve prematurely, causing problems with the calves not being fully mature.
Just like in humans, twins run in families, the genetics for having twins can be passed down in cows. Genetics are the main contributing factor for twins but there are some studies out there that support the idea that more twins are born on farms with higher milk production.
This was Lady’s third calving and she has never had twins before. Hopes are high that Hug and Mug are going to grow up to be fertile. ”This occurrence is very unusual especially in the drought that we are experiencing said Clarke.”
