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For cows to be producing milk they must have a calf on a regular basis. Our goal is for a cow to have one calf about every 13 months. Cows are similar to humans in that they have a 9 month gestation period. Even after a cow has become pregnant we continue to milk her up until she is 2 months from calving. At that point we stop milking the cow and she becomes a dry cow. |
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When we dry the cow off she is removed from the milking herd. We change her diet to transition her from calving to starting her next lactation. At this time the cows are moved to the barn seen here. Also, in nice weather, the cows are released to pasture during the dry period. |
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As cows come within the last week or two of calving they are moved into these pens. The pens allow the cow plenty of room to stretch and prepare for calving. |
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These pens are watched around the clock for new cows calving. When a cow is seen calving or beginning to calve they are moved into a separate pen, like the ones at the bottom of this page, by themselves for the calving process. It is our goal for all calves to be born by themselves. However, as with most births, difficulties can occur and help is needed to ensure the safety of the mother and her baby.
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