A Deformity

Having livestock for many years, I always have a new lesson to learn. This lesson is rather gross and sad.  A ewe lamb was born this year and was normal in all ways.  She, however, would be bombinating in the barn some mornings.  After several inspections, we noticed nothing.  Months later, the vet was in the barn for a review, and the ewe lamb was in the barn, bombinating.  So after a very close inspection, the vet noticed the lamb did not have an anus and was defecating through her vagina.  Needless to say, we were all shocked.  The vet exclaimed that this deformity was in the vet books and that it was rare to see it in person. The ewe lamb was euthanized as she would need to be on a stool softener or laxative for the rest of her life.

All the animals have been shorn, and the last nasty, back-breaking job is digging out the barn floor. We will remove it and spread the floor manure in the hay fields for several days. After that, the barn will look and smell great for a few days. The lights and windows will be washed, and we will discuss the breeding groups.

My mother is celebrating her 99th birthday today, October 11th.  Can you imagine what she has seen in her ninety-nine years?  

October 11, 2022