Dried off cow back in milk? Nurse cow question

[Mountain View]

We have two milk cows...Alice, a jersey due in July and Lisa, a guernsey we are using as a nurse cow for a couple of calves. All the cows are together. We recently noticed that the Alice's udder is full although she's been dry since February. I think the calves have brought her milk back. I didn't really know that was possible. Now I'm concerned about using too much of her energy in the last 6 weeks of her pregnancy. But she is really bonded to the calves and would be really unhappy if she were separated from the herd. Should I just feed her more? Should I be worried about milk fever if the calves are drinking on her up until she calves? Ideas?

[gone-a-milkin]

She will be 'unhappy', but I would pull her outta there.
She should not be nursing extra calves the last 2 months of her gestation.
That is the time for her udder to repair tissue and for her energy to go into her new calf.
Likely you will hear her throw a fit for about 4 days, then she will settle back down.

It sounds like she is a great mama. Those are the ones who dont always know what is best for them.

Good luck with her.

[bigbluegrass]

If she is being nursed by the other calves, you need to get them separated right away. Her new calf won't get any colostrum if you keep letting the other calves nurse on her. You also may end up with mastitis issues.

Are you sure she isn't just bagging up in anticipation of the new calf? It does seem a bit early. Have you seen the other calves nursing on her.