Photo Credit Jaxson Noble. The newest member of the CHS AG Farm’s Bull Calf.
Citrus High School Students Assist in Live Calf Birth, Gain Hands-On Agricultural Experience
By Student Writer: Bonnie Bunn
Students in Citrus High School’s agriculture program recently experienced the miracle of life firsthand as they assisted in the birth of a bull calf at Citrus High School. The hands-on opportunity provided students with valuable insights into animal care, birthing challenges, and livestock management.
A Unique and Exciting Experience
For many students, witnessing and participating in the birth of a calf was both thrilling and educational.
“It was pretty exciting,” said Brent Ellis. “I kind of showed up as it was happening, and I was there to help pull it out.”
Rebekka Calcerrada shared a similar sentiment. “I’ve never had an experience like that before, especially getting first hand involvement. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Challenges During Delivery
Like any birth, the process had its difficulties. One of the biggest challenges occurred when the mother, a first-time heifer, fell over while giving birth.
“The heifer fell over, and we had to pull her up while she was giving birth,” Ellis explained.
Calcerrada added that the uncertainty of when to intervene was also a challenge. “The cow had a lot of difficulty pushing, and I wasn’t sure if I should help or step back. I was thankful for Braley coming over and helping me figure that out.”
Despite these obstacles, the birth itself happened more quickly than some expected. “I honestly thought it would take a lot longer, but as soon as we started pulling the calf out, it slipped out pretty easily,” Calcerrada said.
Caring for the Mother and Calf
Students played various roles throughout the birth, from keeping the mother calm to assisting with the actual delivery.
“I was there to help keep the cow calm—I was kind of petting her while she was giving birth,” said Ellis.
Calcerrada was involved in monitoring the labor process and assisting when needed. “I was there from the beginning when the amniotic sac first started coming out. Since it was her first calf, she was having a hard time pushing, so we had to help pull the calf out.”
After the birth, the mother appeared noticeably relieved.
“Before, she was acting really sweet, but during the birth, you could tell she was in pain,” Ellis said. “Afterward, she just seemed relieved.”
Calcerrada added, “She was very stressed and in distress, rolling onto her side constantly. But as soon as we got the calf out, she calmed down significantly.”
To ensure the safety of both the cow and her newborn, students took several precautions.
“We made sure the pen was really clean for the birth, and we had multiple people assisting,” Ellis explained.
Calcerrada noted additional safety measures: “We kept her in an enclosed space away from other animals and provided hay for the birthing area. Afterward, we made sure to treat the calf properly, clearing fluid from its lungs and checking its overall health.”
Lessons in Animal Care
The experience reinforced valuable lessons about livestock care.
“I learned that you have to make sure the calf is healthy right after birth,” said Jaxson Noble. “If they don’t get the right food or care, something could go wrong.”
Ellis noted the similarities between animal and human births. “You can tell they’re in a lot of pain, but they push through it, just like humans.”
Ongoing Care for the Calf
So far, the newborn bull calf is thriving.
“The baby bull calf is doing fine,” said Noble. “He runs around, drinks his mom’s milk, and only lies down when it’s hot. He’s healthy.”
Ellis confirmed, “He’s been nursing a lot and running around—he’s doing great.”
As the calf grows, students will continue to care for him.
“The next steps are making sure he’s fed properly and transitioning him off milk at the right time,” said Noble. “If he’s going to be shown, we’ll also need to get him used to a halter.”
Ellis added, “I’m going to start him on feed soon, and then we’ll begin working with a halter to get him show-ready.”
The Value of Hands-On Learning
Many students agreed that real-life experiences like this are invaluable for agricultural education.
“The school should keep offering these opportunities,” said Ellis. “It’s helpful for kids to learn real-life skills instead of just reading about them.”
Noble echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the impact of hands-on learning. “FFA and experiences like this help people see what it really takes to care for an animal. It gives students the experience they need to decide if they want to pursue a career in agriculture.”
For Citrus High School’s agriculture students, this unforgettable experience not only deepened their understanding of animal care but also highlighted the dedication and responsibility that comes with working in the field.