Milking a cow... for the first time

[abigalerose]

Yesterday my jersey cross heifer had her first calf, i got her as a milk cow, only problem being.. I’ve neved milked a cow before! So can i get some tips/advice/instruction?
I do know how to do the actual milking and get milk out, i did so this morning while i was helping baby out (long story), but don’t know much about the rest.
When do i start? What supplies do i need? What do i do with the milk once it’s in the bucket? If her baby is on her then how often should i milk her/how long can i go between milkings? Can i just milk her as needed, when we run out of milk?

 

[junebuggena]

Try asking over on backyardherds.com
Those folks have a lot more experience with cattle.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Try asking over on backyardherds.com
Those folks have a lot more experience with cattle.

x2!!!

 

[cassie]

Most people milk the cow twice a day at twelve hour intervals. You need a bucket and a milk strainer. I have used unscented baby wipes to clean off the teats before milking. In a pinch you can strain the milk through a clean dish towel. That is what I saw my mother do when I was little. You line a container with the dish towel, pour the milk into the towel then lift it up. To cool the milk quickly, you can put the jar it is in into a pan of cold water. Ice water is best. You can get a nice stainless milk bucket and a milk strainer and filters from www.caprinesupply.com.