A TINY new arrival at a farm in Billericay has proved that good things really do come in small packages.
The latest newborn at Barleylands Farm, Barleylands Road, is a Dexter cow, the smallest of the European breeds of cattle.
The minute moo stands at just 55cm and was born on Tuesday, July 9 to his mother Primrose. She is a veteran at eight years of age and is also of the miniature breed.
Farm manager David Finkle explained that the breed, which is half the size of most cows, is quite rare and had dwindled in numbers as they were not financially viable for most farmers.
Recently however the Dexter has become more popular with smallholders due to the breed's placid nature. Mr Finkle is a huge fan of the breed himself, having been given his first Dexter when he was just eight years old.
A dwarf of the cow world, the black male calf is as of yet unnamed but is proving to be quite a character.
Mr Finkle said: "His mother is shy and protective but he is already brave.
"I'm really fond of Dexters – my grandmother bought me one for my birthday."
The week-old calf and his mother have been enjoying finding shade from the sun under the willow tree in their paddock.
They join two larger counterparts at the farm, two teenage Hereford heifers who are red and white and much bigger in size.
Mr Finkle explained: "He will be here for a long time and all summer for people to see.
"He is getting on well and taking milk from his mother and starting to learn what grass is. We make sure his mum gets extra special treats to keep the quality of her milk high and we have doubled her food rations."
The calf is not the only new-born at the farm park as a very late lamb has also made her first appearance in the world at Barleylands.
Referred to as a Cuckoo-Lamb, in reference to the bird's late laying of eggs, the young sheep was born the same day as the calf. She is also black in colour and is part Suffolk part Jacob.
Mr Finkle said:
"Sheep born this late are very unusual but the lamb and her mother have had no problems and she has already almost doubled in size."
Taking after his father, this lamb is very lazy, which Mr Finkle explains is typical behaviour of Suffolks: "They have ridiculous attitudes."
Readers are invited to take part in Barleylands' up-and-coming competition to name both the calf and lamb.
Enter on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/barleylands or by visiting the farm.
