Milk Production and the Udder

The main purpose of the milk is to feed the young. A good milking animal can produce more milk than her young need.

How milk is made

• The udder of the cow and buffalo has four quarters, each quarter having a teat.
• In the sheep and goat the udder is divided into two with two teats.

How milk is made

• Milk is produced in the udder from nutrients in the blood which flows through the vessels (tubes) in each quarter.
• The greater the amount of blood passing through the udder the greater the amount of milk which is produced.
• The milk is released as the teat is sucked or squeezed.
• Milking by hand will take from 5 to 10 minutes.
• The udder should be emptied at each milking and this will stimulate the udder to develop more milk. Always milk the animal quietly.
• A good time to milk is in the morning before the animal goes out to graze and in the evening.
• Always milk at the same time each day.

Differences in milk yields

Milk yields will vary for different reasons:

• Some types or breeds of animals produce more milk than others.
• Milk production will be greater after the birth of the second or third young.
• Extra good feed, minerals and a lot of water are needed by the animal in milk in order to produce milk.
• Milk production improves when the animal gives birth in the rainy season when there is a lot of feed available.
• Talking, singing or whistling to the sheep, cow, goat or buffalo as it is being milked makes it relax and the milk is let down better.
• Some individuals naturally give more milk than others. These individuals should be selected for breeding.

Source : Pashu sakhi Handbook