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Probably, even not very experienced cow owners understand that it is difficult to expect high milk productivity from first-calf heifers. Nevertheless, how much milk she will produce in the future depends on how correctly the first heifer can be milked. It is important at this stage to build normal relationships with the future breadwinner of the family and understand how suitable she is for this role.
Features of first-calf milking
A cow is not capable of producing milk 365 days a year, as some people who are far from animal husbandry think. The lactation period begins from the moment of calving and lasts on average about 300 days. Moreover, during the first 7-10 days the cow produces colostrum and the so-called transitional milk, which is absolutely necessary for the full feeding of the calf, but is not suitable for human consumption due to its too high fat content. Then the so-called milking period lasts for about 90 days, during which the maximum amount of annual milk yield is formed - up to 45%. In the next 100 days, the cow produces about 30-35% milk during milking, but its fat content and protein content increases.And in the remaining 100 days, only 25% of milk can be obtained from the cow, but it is characterized by the maximum content of proteins and fats. This is followed by the so-called dry period (60-65 days), during which the cow rests and recuperates for the next lactation period.
About 2.5-3 months after calving, the cow is usually paired with a bull, so that the cycle repeats again the following year.
Thus, the most important period that determines both the annual milk yield and the further milk development of the cow is the time period within 3 months after calving. For first-calf heifers, it is especially important, since it is necessary at the same time:
- milk her after calving;
- determine the optimal composition of the feed supply;
- establish a suitable care regimen.
Actually, the correct feeding during this period includes:
- massage;
- milking;
- advance feeding;
- adherence to a clear daily routine and basic rules of maintenance.
How many times should a first-calf be milked after calving?
Immediately after calving, large amounts of colostrum may accumulate in the udder. In addition, during the first 7-8 days, first-calf heifers often experience udder swelling, which usually subsides on its own by 8-10 days. Therefore, in order to milk a cow after the first calving, it is recommended to carry out this procedure as often as possible - 5-6 times a day.
If machine milking is used, then you can stop at milking three times a day, but in this case, 1-2 hours after each milking, the first heifer must be milked again using machine equipment.
Gradually, after the udder swelling subsides, you can reduce the number of procedures associated with milking. And switch first to 4-time milking, and then to 3-time milking.But if you are dealing with high-yielding dairy animals, then milking less than 3 times a day can negatively affect overall milk production. Therefore, it is better to stop milking 3 times a day at equal intervals of about 8 hours.
How to milk a first-calf cow
Proper feeding is one of the main components of first-calf milking, both in domestic and industrial conditions. In this case, so-called advance feeding is used. Its essence lies in the fact that in addition to the usual norm, the feed is regularly supplemented with several components that can increase the milk productivity of the first heifer. Most often, concentrated feed and beets are used for these purposes.
In this case, the total volume of additives for the period of milking first-calf heifers can reach:
- for high-yielding cows (productivity from 25 liters per day) - more than 50%;
- for all others – at least 40%.
It makes sense to switch to a new type of feeding no earlier than 10 days after the calf is born. After all, immediately after calving, the entire body of the first-calf as a whole is slightly weakened, as well as the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. You cannot immediately put such a load on it, and the mammary glands must normalize their work, otherwise there is a risk of developing mastitis.
From about day 10, you can begin to introduce a new feeding system, adding 1.5-2 additional feed units to the standard diet every week.
But the essence of the advance feeding system is that you always need to feed a little more additives.
For example, if a first heifer gives 20 liters of milk daily, then you should add as much concentrated feed to her as if she was already giving 25 liters. After 4-7 days of such feeding, the milk productivity of the first heifer actually goes up and reaches the calculated norm. In this case, it is necessary to increase the amount of added concentrates again. They continue to do this until the milk productivity of the first heifer stops growing. After this, they maintain the feed level at the same level for another 10 days, and then gradually begin to reduce it to standard.
As a result of this feeding system, the initial milk yield of a first-calf heifer can be increased by 28-30%.
It is equally important to adhere to a certain regime in caring for the first heifer. Food must be given to first-calf heifers at strictly defined intervals. Also, milking should occur strictly according to the clock. The cows' body quickly gets used to a certain schedule and begins to produce the maximum amount of milk by the time milking occurs. It is very important to give first-calf heifers an unlimited amount of water, changing it to fresh water at least 3 times a day.
During the warm season, it is equally important to send cows to pasture every day. Since walking in the fresh air also contributes to maximum milk production.
How to milk a heifer correctly
Milking itself and the accompanying massage are the most important elements in the milking of first-calf heifers.
For most animals, it is very important to accustom them to this procedure from a very early age.Already from the age of several months, it is advisable to regularly feel and lightly massage the udder, at the same time washing it from possible contamination. If the heifer has not been on the farm since birth, then it is worth starting to accustom her to the milking procedure immediately after meeting her. This will allow you to establish closer contact with the animal and gain its trust even before the first calving. Although rare, there are some individuals that have an overly violent and excitable character and do not allow them to approach their udder until calving. Below we will describe several ways to cope with such a situation.
Milking a first-calf at home is not always easy, and in this case it is difficult to overestimate the importance of udder massage. Massage can stimulate blood circulation in the mammary glands and increase milk production due to the work of special hormones. It can also improve the quality and fat content of milk. Massage before and after milking is especially useful and necessary for first-calf heifers, since they are often slow-milking.
Before milking, a preliminary massage is carried out, grasping each of the 4 lobes with both hands. Then:
- stroke and massage the udder tissue from top to bottom and in the opposite direction;
- slightly lift it on the palms, imitating the movements of a calf, and shake it slightly;
- massage the first-calf's nipples themselves, but without expressing anything.
After the main part of the milking has been carried out, a final massage is carried out, which consists of almost the same movements. But in addition, the first heifer’s udder is also kneaded entirely from the sides to the center and from top to bottom, feeling and removing all possible compactions.After which you can carry out additional milking and collect some additional amount of milk.
Finally, wipe the heifer’s udder with a damp cloth, then dry it with a towel and lubricate the nipples with Vaseline or a special cream after milking.
Milking can be done in two ways:
- manual;
- using a milking machine.
Before milking, the udder must be wiped or even washed with warm water and a cloth if dirty. Then they carry out a massage and only after that they start milking.
Manual milking of the first heifer must be done using the so-called fist. That is, the nipple is taken completely into the hand, the thumb and forefinger squeeze its base, and then, by squeezing all the other fingers, a stream of milk is squeezed out of the nipple. At first, the movements should be careful and smooth, then the milking speed must be increased so that the milk output also increases.
Fold two lobes first, then the next two, or alternating them. The milk should be milked completely; this is very important to do especially for the first heifer. Since it is complete milking that stimulates the process of milk formation and prevents many udder diseases.
Milking machines are usually used on farms where it is difficult to milk a large number of cows by hand. But it is recommended that first-calf heifers be milked by hand in the first weeks after birth and only gradually accustom them to milking with a machine.
In any case, massage procedures before and after milking remain mandatory for first-calf heifers, even if automated milking is used.
How to milk a heifer if she is struggling
Many first-time heifers are very afraid and do not approve of the milking procedure itself the first time. The most impulsive of them may begin to beat their legs or tail.
Of course, milking a mad first-calf correctly is not so easy even for an experienced owner or housewife. But a combination of affectionate treatment with some special techniques will help overcome this problem.
One technique that often helps to subdue an obstinate animal is to lift one front leg and tie it to a post. Standing on only three limbs, the first heifer will not be able to kick and will gradually get used to its new role.
Another technique is that before milking, a piece of heavy cloth soaked in warm water is placed on the heifer’s back or withers. This helps the animal relax, and she will be more comfortable with the milking procedure.
How to accustom a first-calf to milking using traditional methods
Since ancient times, people have also developed many ways to deal with a harmful first-calf if she does not want to accept the milking procedure and stand quietly.
Those who want to cope with the help of love, affection and a good attitude can first try tying the first heifer by the horns in the stall. But not very briefly, but so that she simply could not leave the stall. Then they place a container with delicious food in front of her, and begin to gradually milk one teat into the mug. After filling, the contents of the mug are immediately poured into a nearby bucket. After a couple of times of similar milking, you can try milking on both nipples. Soon the first heifer will get used to it and there will be no more problems with it.
There is another effective way - to collect folds of skin on the back and keep them in this form during milking.
Finally, an interesting way to handle a first-calf during milking without violence is to have another human assistant comb her with a comb throughout the entire milking procedure. After a week, the cow gets used to it and stands without any problems.
What affects a cow's milk production?
A cow's milk production can be influenced by many factors:
- Breed and heredity. The most dairy varieties are considered to be Ayrshire and Holstein.
- Age. The cow's milk yield increases at 5-7 calvings, and then gradually decreases.
- Health status.
- Quality and quantity of feed.
- Duration of the dry period.
- Timely, not late and not early covering of the heifer.
- Udder shape. The most productive are considered to be cows with cup-shaped and tub-shaped udders.
- Duration of the lactation period. Its increase leads rather to a decrease in overall milk yield in the next season.
- Live weight of cows.
- Calving season. In winter, milk productivity increases by 10%.
- Udder massage and proper milking.
Conclusion
Milking a first-calf correctly is not always easy, but with a strong desire, this problem can be overcome. The main thing is to truly love your animals and spare no time and effort in caring for them.
