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A COW has adopted a calf after her own died as she gave birth.

But Dexter dwarf cow Moomin has struggled to suckle Annie because the Beef Shorthorn is almost as tall as she is.

"It is not a natural height for the calf to suckle," said Elly Birtles, 28, a farm assistant at Home Farm.

"We had to squirt the milk from her udder on to our hands and then guide the calf to the udder."

Mum and adopted daughter are now doing well.

For it is not always easy to encourage cows to adopt.

"Moomin was initially pretty disinterested but that was a good thing," said Miss Birtles.

"It is much better than being aggressive."

Annie, named after the musical character, was also nervous - at first.

"As soon as she realised Moomin was where her milk was coming from they started becoming closer," said Miss Birtles.

Now the two cows are inseparable.

8:57am Monday 5th May 2008

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