when to dry off a site

[Michelle98]

I hope I said that right! We have a pregnant milking doe. She is about 6 weeks along. She is hardly giving any milk and doesn't seem to want to be milked anymore. How do we go about it? Thank you!

[dozedotz]

I would think that you could just stop milking her. If she giving very little and seems ready to stop, I'd stop. Keep an eye on her udder to be certain she doesn't develop a problem...but like as not, she will be fine. Many people use a product that is supposed to keep mastitis from developing in a doe that is being dried off, but we have not done that and they seem to be fine. Sometimes with a heavy milking doe it takes longer and is more difficult for her, but your girl would not fall into that category from your description. If she is in good shape otherwise, I would discontinue all grain and that will assist her in drying up, too.

[Wendy]

Yep, just quit. The fullness of the udder is what triggers them to stop producing anymore.