Loss of production... anything I can do?

mommyjen · #1 04/08/10, 11:21 PM

Hi everyone,

Well, I just picked up a couple of Jersey's from Yamhill and brought them home to central oregon. I have 2 other Jersey's already, and have had them since October. Here's my problem... I've had them for four days now and they are seeming to have a somewhat regular milk weight. They are about a gallon and a half less than they were on the farm (6 gallons each at the farm down to 5 gallons and 4 gallons). I am discouraged! Here are a few things I think it could be besides the obvious moving changes... I am a rookie and I had to chase the cows around the field to catch them and milk them; now I created a little pen when milking... no more chasing. Also, I am milking 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM. (10 hours apart). They are eating the same thing as the other farm... Alfalfa (It seems better than what they were eating). Any way to get back to the original milk weight?

My milk machine question is about the cups staying on the cows as they milk. After they are half way through, the cups start falling of. It is really annoying because I have to sit there and hold them till they are done. They have smaller teats than the other cows

Thanks so much,
Billy

Ronney · #2 04/09/10, 06:43 AM

There probably isn't a lot you can do about it but don't be discouraged. These cows are living, breathing things and they have had a very traumatic week. Been transported, new surroundings, new handling, probably new milking times, new shed, new noises and the list can go on from their persepective. So yes, I would expect a drop in production, largely because they are probably holding back, but as time goes on and they settle down their production will level out. It may not come back up to what it was but by the time next season comes around, they will be giving you their all.

The reason the cups are falling off is because the cows are holding back. They stay on to start with so the smaller teats aren't the problem. I have a little Jersey cow with teats that are narrow and probably no more than 1 1/2" long but if she holds back the cups fall off after her first flush. I use the same cups on a Hereford cow with teats the size of a banana. This might sound completely mad but I can assure you that it works. When you put the cups on, give them a tickle under the base of the tail. Somebody told me why this works but I've forgotten what the reason was.

Give them a chance to settle down and I think you will find all will be well.

Cheers,
Ronnie

Callieslamb · #3 04/09/10, 08:28 AM

do you have a hook or anything that can support the hoses to the machine? That might help the machine stay on longer. A hook hanging from a side bar, can be used to adjust the weight of the machine on the cow. Tighter/shorter hose, less weight.

I'd give them a couple weeks to adjust before worrying about production.

MARYDVM · #4 04/09/10, 09:43 AM

How long they've been fresh will make a difference in how well they recover production. Early on its much easier for them to bounce back. Stress in late lactation may permanently affect production for the rest of that lactation.

mommyjen · #5 04/09/10, 11:41 AM

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I will try these techniques on the gals. The first two cows I picked up in November dropped in production and never bounced back, but they had stress and so did I! I am milking out of my garage and am not set up correctly. I have to bring them out of their pen and into the stanchions. Now they come on their own, but the first week was rough. I didn't even think to have halters! I changed their feed and it was the middle of a deep winter (- degrees)... drastic changes. I thought this time would be different... I'll give it some time and I will tickle them. Isn't that how you get them to pee also? I'll see if I can rig something to support the claw.

They are very early in their lactations; calved 2 months ago. They are both 4- 1/2 years old. Thanks again.

Billy

Chixarecute · #6 04/09/10, 12:26 PM

Along with all the other changes, are you spending a full minute washing their udders/teats? Some warm soapy water, soft encouraging words, extra time spent finding their favorite spots to pet/itch, an extra treat of grain at the stanchion, will help them feel more comfortable & more likely to complete let-down.