bag on an open heifer

[stick]

We have an open heifer that has an udder on her that looks like she could calve in a month or so. Know she is open, been checked by the vet and also saw her in heat myself. She is with one other heifer. I've never seen the other heifer try to nurse her or anything like that. Has anyone seen anything like this? They are turned out on grass at night. Could it be coming from something she's eating while on grass? I've heard of a heifer occasionally  trying to suck themselves but have never seen her try to do this. I'm boggled.

 

[red]

Stick, I had the same thing on a bred heifer. The calves were stealing from her. Was afraid it would cause mastitis or screw up her colustrum but she turned out to be an excellent mother.
Not sure why yours is doing it unless the other is sneaking when you aren't watching.
Sometimes if they are over conditioned they can get a fatty udder too.

Red

 

[DL]

Hey stick - udders are not really my area of expertise but I'll give it a whirl...first if there is any chance she was cavorting with a bull I'd check her to make sure she really isn't pregnant ...if not then we get into the world of wierd and wonderful. There are various compounds in some plants that can mimic estrogens and progesterones that could cause mammary development - these are mostly anecdotal reports - so that is one possibility although I would expect both heifers to be involved (maybe not - it is biology ;D) I'll skulk around and see if I can find out anything else. Cowboy may know something although he is probably so tired from entertaining cowz that he can't see straight!

What does the udder feel like?