Eclipse and her April 21st triplets. Photo courtesy of Marcus Clarahan

“Udderly amazing,” is what Nancy Adrian, Washington County Extension Director, says about Eclipse, a cow who gave birth to not one, not even two, but three calves Friday morning. Eclipse, a heifer owned by Bill Clarahan of Washington County, gave birth to triplets Friday. The former county fair show heifer is Clarahan’s favorite cow he describes as calm, sweet, and loving. His wife had nicknamed Eclipse “Tank” over the winter because she was so big, and was the first to see the triplets Friday morning. Eclipse is taking care of all three calves currently, and the Clarahans are beginning to bottle feed the trio.

A multi-generational cattle farmer, Clarahan adds this is a first in their family, they’ve had twins but not triplets. When his brother heard of the triplets he said, “Give them some colostrum and good luck.” Clarahan says they’ll likely keep the three females in their herd for years to come. He hopes one day his grandson will show one of Eclipse’s offspring at the county fair.