The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: farmers wife on September 27, 2015, 10:50:59 pm

Title: House Cow - Once a day milking & calf sharing
Post by: farmers wife on September 27, 2015, 10:50:59 pm

Any tips?


Is it better to milk first thing in the morning or in the evening?  So far we have popped the calf into a pen in the morning and milked the cow around 5pm.  Only trouble for me is the time with the childrens after school activities, tea time etc.  Considering the winter drawing in now just wondered from experienced milkers what really is best.


I'm terrible in the morning and getting up at out at 6am is daunting - I have to be back in the house at 7am to prepare the children for school.

Title: Re: House Cow - Once a day milking & calf sharing
Post by: Backinwellies on September 28, 2015, 07:46:27 am

Cow's cant tell the time .... so doesn't have to be early and/or late (that is just traditional for dairies so they can get 2 milkings in one day (after all when they went to 3 times a day cows are milked early pm)  ........... just adjust when the calf has access so cow doesn't get uncomfortable

Title: Re: House Cow - Once a day milking & calf sharing
Post by: Rosemary on September 28, 2015, 08:21:13 am

I agree with backinwellies. I milked at 6am but that suits me - I prefer to get routine jobs out of the way first thing. We brought the calves (there were two so they had company) in about 9pm and they had hay and water (and sugar beet / calf crunch which they never ate).