Calcourt Farms in Wernllwyd, Powys, became the site of a very rare discovery when a dairy cow gave birth to quadruplet calves. This kind of pregnancy is said to have a one in 700,000 chance of happening in cattle, with the chance of all four calves being born alive being just one in 11 million. “This is a once in a career, probably lifetime, experience,” said Matthew Hicks, fertility manager of the farm.
The management was not expecting to see such a miracle, knowing the odds of quadruplet calves being born healthy are practically zero. The bull and three heifers were born fit and healthy, causing much excitement among the staff. Hicks expressed his amazement at the unusual event, stating that the chances of having twins are much higher than quadruplets.
The calves required extra attention and care in the beginning of their lives. They were fed four times a day to make sure they stayed strong. The mother required extra care as well but is now doing well. Hicks has stated that the birth of the quadruplet calves is a “once in a lifetime” experience, and they are all now part of a larger gang of calves at Calcourt Farms.
This pregnancy was due to artificial insemination but, regardless of that, it is an extremely rare occurrence even under highly controlled conditions in the agricultural industry. Hicks stated that luck had a lot to do with it, comparing it to buying a lottery ticket
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