How to Increase Milk Volume in Cows

Unlike chickens producing eggs, cows only produce milk after being pregnant. Different types of cows produce milk for different time periods after pregnancy. A beef heifer produces milk for several months after pregnancy, but a dairy cow produces milk for up to six years. Most cows produce milk for two to four years. Dairy cows produce six to eight gallons of milk daily. Milk production is dependent on several things, but there are ways you can increase milk production in your dairy cows.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cows in a large open area with plenty of room for the cows to roam. Cows pinned in tight areas have lower milk production.

    • 2

      Milk the cows several times a day. The more you milk the cow, the more the cow produces milk. If no milk comes out, stop milking. Don't over-milk the cow, as this causes sore utters and decreases milk flow. The number of times you milk daily depends on your cow. If the cow produces enough milk, milk the cow six or seven times a day.

    • 3

      Provide plenty of water for your cows. Cows need to be well-hydrated, because over-milking causes dehydration. Even if you are careful, over-milking a cow is possible.

    • 4

      Feed your milking cows more food while they are pregnant and producing milk. Feed your cows with dry feed made specifically for dairy cows. Let the cows graze as much fresh, green, growing grain when possible and provide plenty of hay for times when grazing is impossible.

    • 5

      Provide good shelter for the cows. It protects them from harsh weather like thunderstorms, hail or severe cold. If your milking cow endures inclement weather while producing milk, her milk production lowers, and you increase the cow's chances of getting sick. A cow's body deals with a lot from pregnancy, delivery, nurturing the baby and providing milk.

    • 6

      Use younger cows for milking. Young cows produce more milk than old cows.