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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘A third calf came out of the rushes’ – farmer welcomes Highland triplet calves

A Highland cow has defied the odds of up to a million to one by delivering a set of triplet calves on a farm in Scotland.

David Laing – STAC A CHAGAIR fold, Musadale – was told to expect two calves from Ceiteag of Stac A Chagair.

According to the Highland Cattle Society, after seeing the expected twins safely delivered, he returned to his house in Muasdale for the night.

“The next day, I came up and standing there was the mother and two calves,” he told the society.

“Then I heard this noise, and I wondered what it was. I heard it again, and two seconds later, a third calf came out of the rushes.”

“I got quite a surprise. We were expecting twins, but we got a wee bonus,” he added.

His wife, Kate, named the calves: Penny, Poppy and Princess. According to David, who has been farming for thirty years, the calves are “doing well”.

Meanwhile, their dam, a 2016-born second calver, is managing to feed the trio herself with “just a wee bit of assistance”. She is by Jock of Isle of Bute (red), and her dam is Ceiteag 1st of Ghiol (black).

In all his years farming, David has never heard of a Highland cow delivering healthy triplets.

The Highland Cattle Society has urged those with Highland triplet calves to contact them.

Longford breeder acquires Balmoral Highland stock

Meanwhile, in other Scottish Highland cattle-related news, in April 2021, we reported that renowned cattle breeder, Michelle Shaughnessy, acquired Scottish Highland cattle bred by HRM, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Michelle Shaughnessy, a well-known Co Longford breeder of her beloved Highland Cattle, had struck up a friendship some years ago with the Queen’s senior stock master, Dochy Ormiston.

Dochy, a renowned highland show judge, who lives in Balmoral Castle, oversees the Queen’s and Duke’s beloved cattle.

Speaking to That’s Farming, Shaughnessy said:

To have the opportunity to even look at Balmoral stock on a previous trip to the castle was a privilege.”

“But, to be given the opportunity of buying Balmoral stock, with the help of Dochy Ormiston, was out of the question. To witness the arrival of Balmoral stock on Irish soil was just a farfetched dream come true.”

“I have been purchasing cattle in Scotland for the past number of years. Quite frankly, Highland cattle are a rare breed in both Scotland and certainly in Ireland,” Michelle commented.

You can read the full story here.

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