THERE are few finer sights for a vet than that of new born young.

If you have ever had to sort out a twisted calf or a tangle of lambs, there is a great feeling of satisfaction; but even with a normal birth, the wonder never palls.

The mother is utterly absorbed in her attention to the soggy scrap of life on the ground and among the attentive rasps of her tongue, she makes the unique low sounds that almost sound like pride in her new offspring.

This was the sight that greeted me on one of our farms recently. However often I see it, it is always a moment to pause, however busy the day.

On this occasion the scene had a poignant edge, for this was the last birth of a dairy cow that I would see on the farm. Like many before and sadly many to come, dairy production has now ended there.

There are many reasons for this, mostly relating to the falling income from milk, but each loss of a farm is a cause for concern.

Once gone they can rarely be replaced and before long your daily pint may be imported, or an expensive luxury.