DRYING OFF COWS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 28 May 1927, Page 8

DRYING OFF COWS.

A REST FROM HARD WORK

Authorities state that a cow will give more milk if she is dried, up for a period of six weeks before calving than if she is milked continuously. The explanation of this lies in the fact that milk production is hat'd work, and the cow gets no rest from calving to calving unless it is provided for her by drying her off.

The disadvantage of continuous milking without, drying off is that when Ireshenmg lias occurred the cow will start off on a lower level of production, and will maintain a lower level than would otherwise be the case. Her body does not get a chance to flesh up, and the lack of a; rest does not give her a chance to get into condition for heavy milking again. The result is that she does the best she can under the circumstances. Under average conditions the cows should be dry at least six weeks, and if she is run down in flesh two months will not be too long.

Some cows are much more persistent milkers than others, and are, therefore, more difficult to get dry. Ordinarily (advises the Irish Farmers’ Gazette), by milking only once a, day for a time and then once every two days, the yield can be decreased so that after about two weeks it will decrease to about a pound a day, and milking may be omitted entirely. For a few days Hie udder will fill up, but if the milk is not drawn it will be absorbed into the system again and no harm will result. With more persistent milkers that are yielding more heavily Hie amount of food should be reduced, cutting off all grain oi; meal, and if necessary feeding nothing hut timothy hay until less milk is given. When the yield gets down to labont 101 b. daily milking may be stopped.