Holstein calf with smiling face markings lands role as farm lawnmower for life.
Megan and Barry Coster breed about 700 calves a year at their stud farm in Ripplebrook in West Gippsland. Victoria - Australia But of the thousands of calves they have bred over the years, none have come out with markings like a particular young Holstein born this week. When he picked the calf up there was little to differentiate him from the rest of the herd.
However, upon turning him around, Mr Coster was shocked to see a face smiling back at him. The unique markings have secured Happy's place on the farm in perpetuity.
Bobby calves such as "Happy" are animals, less than a month old that, on a dairy farm, are surplus to replacing the existing milking herd. Happy's unique colouring means he's quickly become a staff favourite. Despite being unlikely to join the Coster's roster of stud bulls, has found a new niche for himself.
"He's going to join those bulls and become a bit of a pet," Mrs Coster said.
"A few of our workers are keen to have him as a pet and a lawnmower in their yards as well.
I am not sure about the name "Happy" although its obvious. But considering the fate of most males in a dairy herd, maybe "Lucky" would be a better choice..😷
Bobby calves are called Bobbies because that is all the farmers use to get for them. A shilling. They rarely stay on a farm for any longer than 3-5 days sometimes 1-2 if the umbilical cord has dried out. The lucky ones are raised as what is commonly known as dairy beef and end up in MacDonald's Burgers.
