eli5 Why do cows produce so much milk while pregnant? Instead of producing milk only after birth to feed their young? Does it have to do with the fact that they’re pregnant every year so their body is trying to produce milk for their previous offspring?

Question

eli5 Why do cows produce so much milk while pregnant? Instead of producing milk only after birth to feed their young? Does it have to do with the fact that they’re pregnant every year so their body is trying to produce milk for their previous offspring?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Yes, she’s making milk for this year’s calf while pregnant with next year’s.

In dairy production we dry off the cow (by not milking her) about 2 months before she is going to give birth. She needs a break from making milk to gain a little condition before she starts all over.

In beef production where the calves and cows are kept together, the calves will nurse as long as they can get away with it. Sometimes you will see last year’s calf try to get a nip in while the new calf is nursing!