Unprecedented Event: Dairy Cow Gives Birth to Rare Quadruplets
In a remarkable and rare occurrence, a dairy cow at Calcourt Farms in Wernllwyd, Powys, has given birth to quadruplet calves, a phenomenon described by farm staff as “unheard of.” The four calves—a bull and three heifers—arrived healthy and thriving, capturing the attention of both the farm community and the agricultural world.
The Rarity of Quadruplet Pregnancies
The odds of a cow becoming pregnant with quadruplets are estimated to be about one in 700,000, with the likelihood of all four calves being born alive dropping to an astonishing one in 11 million. This extraordinary event marks a significant milestone for the farm and its staff.
A Career Highlight for the Farm Staff
Matthew Hicks, the farm’s fertility manager, expressed his astonishment at this rare birth. “This is a once-in-a-career, probably lifetime, experience,” he noted. Initially aware that the cow was carrying twins, Hicks was taken aback by the unexpected arrival of quadruplets. “It’s unheard of,” he said, adding a humorous remark about returning home from the pub: “I definitely hadn’t drunk enough to see double that evening!”
Team Effort for Safe Delivery
During a conversation with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Hicks praised his calf rearers, particularly Jess and Lee, for their efforts in ensuring the safe delivery of the calves. He described the chaotic scene: “We had two on the floor, one almost on the floor… and by the time I’d sorted everything out and got some kit on, number four was out.”
Care for the Newborns
The calves, referred to by numbers instead of names, required extra attention in their early days. To ensure their health, they were fed four times a day initially. Hicks explained, “We take the calves as soon as possible after birth. We let the cow lick them for their benefit, but it’s far better that we feed the calves and make sure they get the colostrum—the first milk rich in antibodies—to ensure they grow up healthy.”
Integrating with the Herd
Now, the quadruplets have integrated well with the other calves on the farm. Hicks noted, “They’re just sort of in a gang with the rest of the calves now, doing really, really well.”
The Role of Artificial Insemination
The pregnancy was achieved through artificial insemination (AI), although Hicks believes this did not influence the rarity of the quadruplet birth. He humorously remarked, “It’s luck really, and I did buy a lottery ticket, but obviously I’m still at work, so that didn’t quite pay off.”
The Mother’s Recovery
The mother cow is also doing well following the challenging delivery, receiving extra care, including hydration and support. “She’s absolutely flying and doesn’t know how famous she is,” Hicks said, highlighting the overall positive outcome of this extraordinary event.