Lactation: what is it in animals, when does it occur and how many days does it normally last

Despite the ubiquity of the concept of lactation in animals, what it really is, mostly farmers and veterinarians know. This process is accompanied by the production of milk and determines the productivity of farmed livestock. The quality of future products depends on how lactation proceeds. Moreover, during this period, the internal organs of adult animals experience increased stress.

What is lactation in cows

Lactation is understood as the process during which the body of cows begins to produce milk that accumulates in the udder. This happens due to the interaction of the endocrine and reproductive systems in animals that produce the corresponding hormones.

This period begins 4-5 months after the appearance of calves. Over time, the amount of milk secreted first increases, and then decreases. This happens for natural reasons. Shortly before the appearance of new offspring, the amount of milk produced is reduced to a minimum or milk production stops (a dry period begins).

Process time

The process of lactation lasts, on average, 305 days. However, this indicator is not ideal and varies depending on the conditions of detention, the breed of the animal and other factors. If a cow calves at the same time every year, then the process takes 315 days, and the dry period lasts 60 days.

In the specified period, the volume of milk is not constant. The peak of excretion is observed 5 months after the appearance of offspring. Then comes the stage when the volume of milk is gradually reduced.

An important condition for the normal development of the animal is the cessation of milking. This is recommended to be done 80 days before the birth of the calf. If you do not stop milking, the weight of the animal will gradually decrease, which will eventually lead to the death of the cow.

Phases of the lactation period

As already noted, the process of lactation is not constant. This is explained by the peculiarities of the work of the animal organism. The process takes place in three stages:

• colostrum formation;
• excretion of normal milk;
• formation of old-fashioned milk.

Each stage is important for the animal's body. The cessation of colostrum production or continued lactation can cause the death of a cow.

Colostrum

Colostrum appears immediately after the birth of a calf. The duration of this stage is 7-10 days after calving.

Colostrum is considered a nutrient fluid, which contains substances necessary for the normal development of the calf:

• vitamins;
• fats;
• protein;
• micronutrients and others.

Colostrum also contains microorganisms (in particular, lactobacilli), which ensure the development of the digestive tract and maintain the digestive processes in the born offspring.

This liquid forms primary immunity to environmental influences. Colostrum is not used by humans as food.

Normal Milk

Milk that can be drunk by a person appears in a cow during the first two weeks after calving. The duration of the period during which the animal can be milked is from 190 to 280 days. This indicator also varies depending on the conditions of detention and other factors.

During the first months after calving, the daily milk yield reaches 15 liters. Then the volume of fluid released decreases.

Old Milk

At the final stage of the lactation period, cattle (cattle) produce old milk. This phase lasts for 7-10 days, after which the dry period occurs. Old milk is not used in food production. This is due to the low calorie value of the product. In old-fashioned milk, the concentration of proteins and leukocytes is significantly increased, but acidity is reduced. At this stage, the liquid that comes out has a bitter taste.

Rules and frequency of feeding during lactation

Despite the fact that the lactation period is divided into 3 stages, the nature of feeding changes 4 times:

1. New body. This period lasts for two weeks after the appearance of the calf. At this time, the animal needs to be given hay, gradually increasing the volume of root crops and grain. Silage is allowed to be included in the diet after five days after calving.
2. Crazy. At this stage, lasting up to four months, the cow needs intensive nutrition to stimulate milk production. Moreover, if increased milk yields are observed during the milking period, the amount of roughage should be reduced by 18%. The animal is also given molasses, potatoes and beets.
3. The middle of the lactation period. Within 5-8 months, the basis of the feed is hay. At the same time, the cow's diet must be adjusted taking into account the volume of milk produced.
4. Recession period. In the transition to dry wood, it is necessary to exclude overfeeding. At this stage, it is recommended to combine grain and concentrated feed or silage and root crops.

To increase milk yield, it is recommended to include the following feeds in the diet:

• wet (silage combined with root crops and food waste);
• semi-moist (highly concentrated additives, haylage);
• coarse (hay obtained from forbs);
• dry formulas;
• concentrated;
• vegetables.

Optimal feeding frequency is 3 times a day. However, if the animal gives a lot of milk, it is recommended to give food up to five times a day. In the first days after calving, no more than two kilograms of hay should be fed. Over time, this parameter can be increased to 6-9 kilograms. When the animal is transferred to roughage, it is recommended to give up to 15 kilograms of hay per day. This happens 1.5 months after calving.

For farming, it is important to ensure free grazing of animals. But in this case, it is recommended to include vegetables in the diet.

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