Cows Lactate After Calving

Cows do not automatically produce milk, because they only lactate after a pregnancy and birth. After a cow gives birth, farmers use milking machines to stimulate the udder and keep milk production going during the lactation period. In modern dairy systems, producers repeat that cycle by breeding cows regularly. The most common dairy breed, the Holstein-Friesian, typically gives birth about once a year to maintain steady milk output.

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