Weird milk

Mrs. Homesteader · #1 06/26/13, 11:21 AM

We have been milking cows for about 15 years. I have a new problem.

Our cow calved on May 15th. The calving went fine and we are milking her just fine. Her calf is on her as well. Last year she had ketosis quite badly when she calved. We did some preventive stuff, but still she had a slight touch of it right after calving. We have been giving her Ketonic. She seemed to get over it quickly. She is eating well and is fleshing back out much quicker than last year. However, her milk is really weird. The color of the non-cream portion reminds us more of whey than of milk. Here is a picture of her milk from last year.
Weird milk - Cattle

Here is a picture of this years milk.
Weird milk - Cattle

The cream is not bitter, but leaning that way. If you stir it all in, the milk is not bad, but a bit off. Do you think this is caused by a border line ketosis problem or could it be her feed? This is her 3rd lactation. The calf is doing great. Thanks for any help.

Awnry Abe · #2 06/26/13, 10:57 PM

I saw the first pic and thought, "those jars look perfect"... Then I scrolled down and saw what you are talking about. I am as green at this as the milk in the bottom pic. Looking forward to hearing what you find.

Is it grassy tasting? We went thru a spell where the cow was gobbling the warm season grasses and it made everything taste very off, but not color wise.

myheaven · #3 06/27/13, 02:23 AM

Umm weird! I have no clue!

Mrs. Homesteader · #4 06/27/13, 05:41 AM

It is like the milk part of it has no body to it. It is almost like whey with cream on top. I am calling our vet today to see where I can get the milk tested.

myheaven · #5 06/27/13, 11:42 PM

Marci that sound like the best plan. I have never seen such a thing in the last 20 years of farm life. And it's mostly been dairy farming.

Mrs. Homesteader · #6 07/01/13, 08:52 PM

We sent the milk to be tested last Friday and still have not gotten results. I called today and they said the Dr. was on the phone and would call me back, but he did not. Here is a picture of the milk I took today. The milk on the far left is the oldest and the newest on the far right. It looks like it is getting better, but we aren't really doing anything different at this point.
Weird milk - Cattle

BlackWillowFarm · #7 07/01/13, 09:31 PM

I just found this thread and read through it. That milk sure looks funny. I don't think I could bring myself to drink it.

I was thinking the Ketonic product you used for her might have made the milk weird. If her feed is the same as before and the pasture is the same as before the only "new" thing would be that. Maybe that did it?

Athena · #8 07/02/13, 02:53 PM

How many days after calving did you get the first, weird, milk? I once milked some colostrum not unlike that. It was odd stuff.

Mrs. Homesteader · #9 07/02/13, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athena

How many days after calving did you get the first, weird, milk? I once milked some colostrum not unlike that. It was odd stuff.

It never looked quite right to me, but I kept thinking I was imagining it. Then I think it got worse and when I tried to make cheese and no curd would form, I knew for sure it was not just me.

The vet was out today and brought the culture. It was both e-coli and staph. He gave her antibiotics. She also had hoof rot on one foot. He said he has been seeing lots of that because it has been so wet here. Thanks for all the help. I will update when it is back to normal.

myheaven · #10 07/04/13, 07:24 PM

Wow. Good to know What was going on! Now I know what to look for if I ever see that. Thanks for posting back.