Bull With Many Names

When a calf is born on the farm we assign a name to the little one. Many times we use word-play, mnemonics, or situational names to make it easier to remember lineage.

The bull out in the bull pen that is my companion as I make firewood bundles is Bo Bridges, this was the name we gave him at birth because we first found him as he was tucked under the bridge for a nap. When he was a month or two old, we gave him a numbered ear tag, #41,  so we could pair up mothers with their babies. Each time we notice a calf nursing we would write the pair down.

Once we had the pairs figured out, we applied to the American Angus Association for a registration number to match a tattoo that is made in both ears of the animal. In this instance it is tattoo number 1719, the first two digits refer to his mother and the last two digits signify the year he was born.

Then as the animal grows and develops a real personality we sometimes give them a nickname. #41 is now referred to as ‘The Stalker’ since he will linger by the corner of the barn as I am working and just stand and watch what is going on. I say it would be creepy if he weren’t so casual about it.

The other day while we were doing some minor repairs in the pump house, Mike moved outside into the sunshine to do some fiddle-y work on some small pieces. There is an old stump right outside the pump house and it made for a good sitting spot while he worked. ‘The Stalker’ had been in this area of the bull pen with his other two buddies grazing along the far fence line, but when Mike sat down he moseyed over to see what was going on.

‘The Stalker’ got within a few feet of Mike and stood watching. I got the impression that he was willing to watch for a long time. With all the names he has maybe we should add Curious George to the list.

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