That calf has been born only a few moments before the mother begins her task of licking the newborn clean and dry.
At least they didn't include a picutre of the mother cleaning up her own afterbirth by eating it.
The licking warms the calf and stimulates the desire to move and stand up shortly following birth.
The afterbirth supplies nutrients and protein to the exhausted mother.
Life is amazing. My daughter was explaining this very thing to one of her friends the other day. She is from a big city and now in a little more rural setting. 🙂
I am not a cattleman but I've seen calves born successfully, without assistance, who've grown to be mature cattle. This is one of the best feelings.
I've also seen and performed the task of pulling a calf. That is NOT fun and in some cases, causes irreparable damage to the mother which is very sad.
It's a great experience, particularly concerning a successful birth, and mother-up, of calves out of heifers you've raised yourself.
