drying up a doe?

rainedaze · #1 06/28/05, 09:41 AM

I have a doe that needs to be dried up without milking. I have posted a request for some information on a comfrey salve that I have heard of. I would appreciate anyone else's opinion on getting this doe dried up as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance for your help.
Heather

Wendy · #2 06/28/05, 10:11 AM

When I dry them up I just stop milking. You should also withhold any grain from them & only milk out a few squirts if they seem really full. Do not milk too much out or their body will tell them they need to start making milk again. The fullness of the udder is what triggers their body to stop making milk.

HHR · #3 07/03/05, 09:13 PM

How do you keep them from getting mastitis and keep them from going lop-sided for next year?

Wendy · #4 07/03/05, 10:37 PM

I have never had one get mastitis & it has never affected their udders either.

natybear · #5 07/04/05, 01:06 AM

If you live in weather that is ideal for bacteria, when you remove some of the milk just to relieve the doe, spray with a dairy disinfectant like Fight Back. That's what we use. Anything that can be used for dairy cows on their udder is usually okay, but be careful because it is only USUALLY okay to use.

Good Luck, I know lots who do this every year just fine.

Natalie