Dexter milking

[Panther]

I think this may have been asked before, but I can't seem to locate the info...

Is it feasible to milk a Dexter once a day?

For instance, could I milk at 6 a.m. then let the calf run with the cow until evening, separate the cow and calf in the evening and overnight and milk again the next morning.

Possible? Realistic?

[DamnearaFarm]

I have a friend who does it this way with no problems.

[linn]

I have done it with both Dexters and Jerseys. I usually pen the calf up overnight and milk the cow the next morning, then let the calf run with the cow all day. You can switch it around if that suits you better.

[Timberline]

Here's an article I wrote about this several years ago when I was raising Dexters. I am now doing this with a little Jersey. I've done this with Dexter x Jersey cows (my favorites), beef cows, and dairy crossbred cows and dairy goats - it works!!

http://www.dextercattle.org/DexterAr...ingdexters.htm

I've been thinking about updating the article and submitting it to either Countryside or Backwoods Home. What do you guys think? (don't worry, I can take constructive criticism). It was written to be an oral presentation, and I've been thinking about expanding it to other breeds, more about training heifers, and updated pics of changes we've made to the stanchion and barn.

Editing to add: what a blessing milking this way is. I am recovering from stomach flu and I had a day this week when I was too dizzy, weak and sick to even get to the barn (it was all I could do to get from the bedroom to the bathroom). I have no one to milk for me. I left the milk cow and calf out in the pasture with the other cattle. They are just fine and I didn't have to worry about milking or having a problem with the cow because I missed a milking.

[prairiegirl]

This is the milking schedule that works for us.

As Chalk Creeek mentions, it is a blessing to milk this way. I don't have anyone to milk for me either.

[Tilly]

We have a wonderful cow that is now retired that would give 1 1/ to 2 gallons once a day. We penned up calves at night and milked Sweetie in the morning. Wonderful way to have your milk and a life too. I found that with twice a day with Sweetie, she would hold up a lot of cream, but OAD she would let down fully.

Tilly