Once Per Day Milking

Hello Adam,

If I remember correctly, you milk once a day and you don't separate the calf? What have been you experience with this system? How to you prevent the cows from holding up their milk when in the parlor if the calf is never removed from the mom? If you could give a bit of information about how you manage your cows, that would be great.

We currently run a 12 cow raw dairy, and are looking to go back to once a day milking. We are looking at how other people are managing their small dairies and looking for ways to improve. Any information you can give would be helpful.

Thanks in advanced!

Rj Ewing wrote:
We currently run a 12 cow raw dairy, and are looking to go back to once a day milking. We are looking at how other people are managing their small dairies and looking for ways to improve. Any information you can give would be helpful.

We keep the momma and the calf together for the first week. Then we separate for 12 hours per day before milking time. We don't have any significant problems with milk holdup. The biggest hassle is having to go out to the pasture in the evening to separate mom and calf, although frequently the mommas are waiting at the barn the next morning at milking time, so we still only have to make one trip out to the pasture.

This is a key concept to running a holistically sound dairy that works for both farmer and cows alike. Lots of folks are scared to give it a go, but it has worked perfectly for us in our 100% pasture-fed system.

hope this helps!

It doesn't always work, cows have different personalities. But when it does it is a wonderful thing for a homestead. Need to leave for a night or two? just leave the calf out with mom. Glorious freedom!