Vets amazed by triplets birth (From Gazette & Herald)

Vets amazed by triplets birth

AN ELDERLY cow has baffled vets and the farming world by producing triplets at nearly 16 years old.

Whitsun, a Dexter - the smallest British beef cow and one of the country's oldest breeds - is owned by Lady Caroline Cox-Johnston at Cliff Field House, Dalby, and, along with three others and 20 Aberdeen Angus cattle, is cared for by stockwoman Deborah Marwood. "Not many cows live to be this old and not producing offspring like this," said Deborah, 27, who also helps run her family's Foulrice Farm at Whenby. Whitsun - named after the day she was born - and her three calves are all doing well. "She's relishing all the attention especially from the youngsters in the area because she's become something of a celebrity," said Deborah.

She has previously produced two sets of twins but the family's veterinary practice says it is most unusual for such an old cow to have an offspring,

let alone triplets.

Updated: 11:35 Wednesday, February 23, 2005