How to get a cow to let down her milk

[genebo]

How can we get a cow to let down her milk?

Yesterday I sold Annie's calf to one family, then took Annie to another family to milk. The calf was 5 months old. The trip to Annie's new farm was rough and she arrived stressed. She seemed to calm down pretty well once she was turned into lush pasture, but last night's and this morning's attempts to milk her didn't yield a drop.

Annie is eating well and drinking. Her udder is more swollen today than yesterday. She's cooperating in every way except letting her milk down.

We've tried leaning against her side like a calf, bumping her udder like a calf would do, and washing the teats with warm water.

Any suggestions?

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[TulleyJohnMyers]

give it one more day she will let down or it will run out ....she can not hold up much longer.........oxytosin is cheap like $1 a shot if you wanted to give a shot she will let down then for sure....tjm

[francismilker]

Sometimes cows can become dependant on oxytosin to let down. You have to be careful using it!

[genebo]

It's working a little!

Some neighbors came over who are experienced milkers. The neighbors got her started, then the daughter was able to milk a quart before Annie got tired of it and walked away. They're bringing Annie back to finish stripping her, if they can.

I didn't tell you that this was Annie's third calf, but it's her first milking. I'd never taken more than a glassful from her on rare occasions. She's so gentle, though. She's half Dexter and she will stand for almost anything, with no restraint.

Annie would lie in the shade and chew her cud. When she got up, there would be milk on the ground. The thin parts of the milk had soaked in, leaving just heavy cream on top of the ground.

Annie had never seen a cat before yesterday. She's formed an attachment to a kitten at the new farm. That's helping to get her over the stressful trip there.

Wish us luck.

Genebo
Paradise farm