Post by Shawn on Oct 17, 2008 7:14:42 GMT -5
Well, I have just a bit of a different angle to look at. Mind you it is only my opinion. I noticed that with this second calf that Daisy had since we got her, (Peekaboo) her udder was way larger. I think it is because I put two calves on her after Buster (1st calf with us) went to the sale and I was milking out 2 gallons a day. I "created" her larger udder because I created the demand. If Nim's udder is un-manageable now, it will likely get even larger next lactation just because you have decided to put 3 calves on her. If you want her udder more manageable you maybe need to allow it to decrease by decreasing the demand on it. Sorry, just a thought. I just worry when we tax our lovely's so much-- I worry that she could develop metabolic problems. I would stop with two calves.
I'm not sure I can agree with you on this one. I think that droopy udders are much more genetic than that. We've all seen the pictures of cows where one has a great looking udder and the other has a huge, low slung udder and then it's mentioned they both give the same amount. Size of udder doesn't necessarily equate to volume.
I had Belle for 3 years and had nurse calves on her all that time. She had a beautiful udder. The only difference the calves made (to me) was they lengthened that itty bitty teat she had on the back quarter.
So I wouldn't beat yourself up about Daisy's udder. I don't think you "caused" it.
If you liken it to human women with small breasts that nurse their babies or even twins, obviously they have enough milk. I think the comparison is very similar.
Shawn