If you ever come face to face with a cow's udder, know that you may actually have a hard time getting milk from your cow friend. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially if a milking machine is involved. And if the cow is nervous, it can be downright dangerous. So, before you try milking a cow yourself, here's a guide on how to do it correctly and safely.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: By Hand
Step 1. Make sure the cow is tied with a rope to a sturdy pole or held by a bar
Step 2. Clean her nipples with soap and water or iodine
Hot water and soap can help "drop" the milk. Dry them, but don't rub or irritate your nipples.
Step 3. Place a bucket under the udder
Better yet, keep it between your legs. This takes practice, but can be done easily and comfortably. This position reduces the chances of the cow kicking on the nearly full bucket of milk.
Step 4. Sit or squat in a position that allows you to quickly move away if the cow becomes uncooperative
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, for example, is not safe. See the Warnings below. A common milk stool is made using two 5x10cm boards cut and nailed to form a "T" - cut it to size that fits your butt and make sure it's low enough for you to have comfortable access to the cow's underside.
Step 5. Apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly to your hands for minimal friction
Step 6. Wrap your hands around two of the four nipples
Choose the breasts diagonally (front left and rear right, for example). Or, try the front nipples and then the rear pair.
Step 7. Squeeze the base of the nipple, after locking it gently between the extended thumb and index finger, so that the breast fills the palm of the hand as you squeeze down
Step 8. Squeeze down to push the milk out, keeping the grip on the base of the nipple so that the milk does not flow back up into the breast
Do not pull or twist the nipples. This movement is performed continuously, squeezing the fingers from the center towards the little finger to force the milk out. Be gentle but firm. Keep your eyes open to check for mastitis (see the Tips).
Step 9. Repeat with the other hand
Most people prefer to alternate (right hand, left hand, right hand, etc.) movements that compress downward, because it requires less effort to do it with alternating movements than doing both at the same time.
Step 10. Continue until the udder you are milking appears to be deflated
Experienced farmers can feel the udder and know exactly when all the milk has come down. Often, even looking at the freshly milked part they can tell if it has been emptied sufficiently or not.
Step 11. Switch to milking the other two teats
If you use the diagonal method, there is no need to move to the side.
Method 2 of 2: With the Milking Machine
Step 1. Secure the cow in one position as explained above
Step 2. Clean her nipples as described above
Step 3. Turn on the milking machine and let it go under pressure
Step 4. Drop some milk manually a couple of times and check for mastitis (see Tips)
Step 5. Release the pressure so that suction begins
Step 6. Place each suction device on each nipple
This must be done quickly, before the machine loses its pressure.
Step 7. Wait for the machine to suck all the milk out of the breast, which will become flabby as described above
Step 8. Remove the suction devices from the nipples
Many modern milking machines do not require the milker to manually remove the suction cups. Once each part has been fully milked, they fall automatically, one by one
Step 9. Empty the milk into a bucket or similar container
Step 10. Clean the milking machine
This prevents the milk from drying out and accumulating in the machine.
Advice
- Always approach the cow slowly. Speak in a low voice and gently tap her on her side so she knows where you are. Don't make sudden movements. The idea is to let her know where you are. If you catch her, she may panic and may step on or kick you.
- If you have a grumpy cow, she is probably smarter than you and will enjoy taunting and frustrating you. Keep calm and outsmart her.
- Cracked teats irritate cows - treat them with a lanolin-based product.
- If you are milking by hand and have not had the opportunity to experience daily, your hands get tired. A single cow can produce up to 10 liters in one milking. You can take a break, but you run the risk of the cow becoming impatient and nervous (which is not good at all).
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If the cow kicks, try putting your weight on the cow's soft spot, just in front of its hind legs. Since he can't bring his leg forward, he won't be able to kick you.
If that doesn't work, consider kneading her or putting an anti-kick device on her to prevent and teach her not to kick with each milking
- The flow of milk that squirts out must be continuous. If it comes out intermittently, as if there is an obstruction in the milk duct, the cow may have mastitis, and will need to be treated. If you suspect mastitis, put the first splashes of milk in a colander and look for lumps. If there are, seek appropriate treatment. The lumps can look a bit like giant drops of mucus.
- Some cows lift their paws back and kick on the bucket or knock out the suction devices. Hold the handle to grab the bucket should she decide to kick it.
- Children can practice "milking" using a latex glove completely filled with water and closed with a knot on the opening. Make small holes with a needle on your fingers.
- When milking by hand, remember that you don't have to keep pulling the teats like you see on TV. Just press gently.
- Some people prefer to use allantoin on their hands for milking.
- Some cows only stand still if you give them grain or hay to munch on while you are milking them. If your cow has this need, keep an eye on her food. Be ready to restock her or she'll let you know she wants more, becoming restless and making the job difficult.
- Tying the cow's tail to the leg will prevent it from rubbing on you. Untethered tail hair can loosen after a few minutes. Don't tie its tail to your leg - this can take you straight to the hospital.
Warnings
- The cows kick and the kicks are hard. They can break your teeth and give you a concussion. Make sure you work with a docile, quiet, well-trained cow, or have an experienced supervisor.
- Check your feet. A cow usually weighs around and often even more than 500 kg. If he steps on your feet, those 500 kg will hurt a lot!
- Be careful not to trip over the milking machine's pipes or wires.
- Cows can kick with limited lateral movement, as well as directly behind them.
- You can also slap yourself in the face (sometimes in the eyes) with its tail. This is not harmful, but it can be uncomfortable and annoying. In this case, be sure to wash your face and eyes; there's a good chance there is some manure and bacteria on the tail.
- Just because the cow is getting milked doesn't mean it has good manners. Don't be surprised if he leaves you a "cow pie" in the middle of milking. Some cows can urinate as well as making cow pies; look at his back: if he arches, grab the bucket and move.
