A cow weighed 1,743 pounds prior to calving. The calf weighed 97 pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed 189 pounds. How much did the cow weigh after calving?

• A. 1357 pounds
• B. 1557 pounds
• C. 1457 pounds
• D. 1257 pounds

Answer: (C)

After calving, the cow’s weight is what remains after removing the calf and the placenta/fluid from her body. So add the weights being removed: 97 pounds (calf) plus 189 pounds (placenta and amniotic fluid) equals 286 pounds. Subtract that from the pre-calving weight: 1,743 − 286 = 1,457 pounds. Therefore, the cow weighs 1,457 pounds after calving.