Cattle triplets defy the odds on Caithness farm
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Farmer David Coghill was aware his six-year-old Simmental cross cow was having twins following a successful scan months before the delivery date was due.
When the big day arrived last week at Tofts of Tain, Castletown, David kept a close eye as his cow started to calve – and to his amazement, for the first time on his farm, triplets began to arrive.
They were born in a matter of 15 minutes with little or no assistance
The newcomers were all in perfect condition and the mother instinct took over immediately.
The trio of heifer calves were sired by the farm's four-year-old Limousin stock bull.
Local artificial insemination cattle-breeding technician Willie Mackay, who was visiting the farm on agricultural duties, said: "Triplets in cattle are very rare – in fact statistics tell you it is a one-in-100,000 chance, and with only a 60 per cent survival rate through to maturity.
"There have been several calf triplets in Caithness over the years. Some have continued to thrive, while others have not been so lucky.
"However, these three heifers at Tofts of Tain are in wonderful condition and mother is providing an abundance of milk for them."
Tofts of Tain carries some 35 cross cattle and 140 Cheviot ewes on 150 acres of grazing managed by Mr Coghill.
"I'm delighted for David, who works hard all year round on his farm, as this has been one of the most exciting calvings for him," Mr Mackay added.
