When does lactation occur in pets and how many days does this period last?

Despite the ubiquity of the concept of lactation in animals, what it really is is known mainly to farmers and veterinarians. This process is accompanied by milk production and determines the productivity of the 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 refers to the process by which cows begin to produce milk in the udder. This is due to the interaction of the endocrine and reproductive systems in animals, which produce the appropriate hormones.

This period begins 4-5 months after the calves appear. Over time, the amount of milk produced 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 yield stops (a dry period begins).

Process duration

The lactation process 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 the cow is hotel at the same time annually, then the process takes 315 days, and the dry period lasts 60 days.

An important condition for the normal development of the animal is the cessation of milk yield. This is recommended 80 days before the birth of the calf. If milk is not stopped, the animal's weight will gradually decrease, which will eventually lead to the death of the cow.

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Phases of the lactation period

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

• colostrum formation;
• normal milk production;
• the formation of old milk.

Each stage is important for the animal's body. Cessation of colostrum excretion or persistent lactation can kill the cow.

Colostrum

Colostrum appears immediately after the calf is born. 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;
• microelements and others.

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

This liquid forms a primary immunity to environmental influences. Colostrum is not used for human consumption.

Normal milk

Milk that can be drunk by humans appears in the first two weeks after calving. The duration of the period during which the animal can be milked ranges from 190 to 280 days. This indicator also changes 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 released fluid decreases.

Old milk

At the final stage of the lactation period, old milk is released from cattle (cattle). This phase lasts for 7-10 days, after which the dead wood sets in. Old milk is not used in food production. This is due to the low caloric value of the product. Old-milk milk has several times higher concentration of proteins and leukocytes, but reduced acidity. At this stage, the emitted liquid has a bitter taste.

Rules and frequency of feeding during lactation

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

1. Newness. This period lasts for two weeks after the calf appears. At this time, the animal needs to be given hay, gradually increasing the volume of roots and grains. Silage is allowed to be included in the diet five days after calving.
2. Razda. At this stage, lasting up to four months, the cow needs intensive nutrition to stimulate milk production. Moreover, if increased milk yield is observed during the milking period, the amount of roughage should be reduced by 18%. Also, the animal is given molasses, potatoes and beets.
3. Mid lactation period. For 5-8 months, hay forms the basis of the feed. In this case, the cow's diet must be adjusted taking into account the amount of milk yield.
4. Recession period. When switching to dry wood, overfeeding should be excluded. At this stage, it is recommended to combine grain and concentrated feed or silage and root crops.

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

• moist (silage combined with root crops and food waste);
• semi-moist (highly concentrated additives, haylage);
• rough (hay obtained from herbs);
• dry food mixtures;
• concentrated;
• vegetables.

The optimal frequency of feeding is 3 times a day. However, if the animal produces 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 provide animals with free grazing. But in this case, it is recommended to include vegetables in the diet.