When many people think of The Ohio State Fair, what comes to mind is fried foods and games. However, there’s one exhibit that is often overlooked --- the maternity ward.
“We've got three cows here that are about ready to calf,” said Dr. Dillon Clouse. “We are also responsible for two calves that are three days old today.”
Dr. Clouse is part of the veterinarian staff at Feeder Creek Veterinary Service in Millersport, which takes care of sick livestock and expecting cows at the fair.
“A lot of it is just kind of upset stomachs,” Clouse explained. “There's a lot of stress coming in. We're taking animals from all over the state. We're bringing them in for a couple days and that can be really stressful for them.”
Three cows are currently expecting and due any day now. Their births will be open to the public. The hope is to teach people about the dairy process.
“Ideally, I don't have to do anything,” said Dr. Clouse. “I don't necessarily intervene until she is either not making progress or if things are taking a lot longer than they should.”
The cows are on display near the Voinovich Building. You can stop by any time to check in on their pregnancies, and pet the calves for free.