How to make cow increase milk? Discover 13 practical tips!

Updated on 12/03/2024

Anyone who works with rural production, more precisely with cattle, wants to know how to make the cow increase milk, for example.

However, contrary to what many may imagine, this is not such a simple task and requires certain care throughout milk production. 

After all, several factors must be taken into account during this process, precisely so that both the quantity and quality of milk increase.

In fact, the challenges can be noticed in all types of business and in various branches of activity – in milk production this would be no different. 

To help you better understand how to make the cow increase milk, União Química has prepared this exclusive content.

Read on and stay on top of all the news in the dairy sector!

How to make the cow increase milk? Check out 13 important tips!

Milk production, regardless of the size of the company (small, medium or large), is fundamental both in food and in the Brazilian economy. 

Because of this, it is not difficult to identify rural producers who are always looking for strategies and resources used to improve this process.

Thus, for there to be success in this sector, producers need to rely on the use of available technologies to improve the production process.

However, there are other considerations that cannot be left aside when it comes to knowing how to make the cow increase milk and that concern direct care of the animal.

Do you want to know how to have more quality and greater productivity in your dairy production? So, check out the 13 unmissable tips we brought to you, producer. 

1. Take care of animal welfare

Most establishments that work with milk production, even small companies, have the support of people who work directly with the animals. 

Therefore, a fundamental tip is to offer personalized training for employees who are responsible for taking care of the well-being of animals.

This is because the ideal is for the animal to have direct contact with humans from birth, precisely so that it does not develop a certain fear when seeing humans. 

Thus, treating cattle properly is essential for the milk produced to be of quality and, in addition, productivity to be increased. 

In fact, a technique used previously that should be discouraged is the use of shocks, toxic chemicals, skewers, etc.

After all, they can generate unnecessary stress in the animals and thus modify the metabolism of cattle, causing milk production to decrease significantly.

The hormone oxytocin, widely used during cow milking, should also be avoided. In other words: it is recommended that the milk be collected in the most natural way possible.

2. Offer quality food

The quality of the food that is offered to the cattle is also one of the most important points when it comes to knowing how to make the cow increase milk.

In fact, it is recommended that food be offered according to the nutritional needs of each animal. 

For this to be possible, some points must be considered, such as:

• Weight of the animal;
• Genetic predispositions;
• Age of the animal;
• Stage in which lactation is.

It is important to mention that this analysis must be done in a personalized way, as each animal has a specific need and, therefore, needs to be respected.

Therefore, a balanced diet must be offered to cattle so that milk production increases and even the quality of this production is notorious. 

However, try to establish an effective dietary plan that avoids wasting resources that could be invested in other stages of the production process. 

This strategy, however, must meet the reality of your company, precisely so that there is no compromise of a budget that cannot be funded in the future.

3. Provide clean, fresh water

Chemically, 1 liter of milk has, in its composition, approximately 87% water.

Therefore, it is essential that there is adequate water availability. In fact, this water must be fresh and clean, as this will promote greater well-being for the cattle. 

It is worth mentioning that, on hotter days, such as summer, for example, the amount of water offered should be much greater than on days when temperatures are milder. 

Remember: all ways to reduce animal stress can (and should) be applied as a strategy when it comes to knowing how to make cows increase milk.

In addition, still talking about temperatures, it is essential to offer thermal comfort to the animal, mainly because cattle that produce milk end up spending a lot of energy.

Thus, if there is no adequate cooling and ventilation in the place where the cattle stay, thermal stress may develop. 

4. Take care of the animals' health

One of the main situations that impair both the quality and quantity of milk is the health and, more precisely, the immune system of the animals.

This is because, when it is impaired, there is a compromise of nutrients. That is, what would be applied to milk production will be reverted so that the body can overcome any diseases. 

Therefore, it is essential that you, the producer, have a well-designed strategic plan so that the health of your cattle is increasingly guaranteed. 

In some cases, especially when there are animals with more serious diseases, other professionals may be allocated to the property, such as zootechnicians and qualified veterinarians. 

Other measures can be taken to prevent the proliferation of diseases in livestock, such as:

• Have professionals who will supervise the entire production process;
• Establish safety protocols, as well as vaccination and parasite control;
• Determine what measures will be taken to prevent highly virulent diseases;
• If any animal is seriously ill, try to isolate it from the rest of the cattle so that the disease does not spread to all animals;

Establish an order for milking to be done, precisely to avoid problems in the animal, such as mastitis, for example.

5. Control diseases and pests

The control of diseases and pests is essential to maintain milk production at high levels, as these problems affect the health of the animal and, consequently, the production capacity.

Diseases such as mastitis, brucellosis and foot-and-mouth disease can reduce milk production and even affect the quality of milk, making it unfit for consumption. 

To prevent these problems from impacting the herd, consider hiring an animal health plan with periodic exams and adequate vaccination, according to the veterinary calendar.

In addition to diseases, the presence of parasites, such as ticks and worms, can compromise the health of animals and affect weight gain and productivity. 

For effective control, implement a rotational grazing system, which helps break the life cycle of many parasites. It is also important to apply antiparasitics with veterinary monitoring, to ensure the correct dose and avoid resistance.

The maintenance of the health of the herd is reflected in the milk production capacity, as healthy animals have greater immunity and well-being. 

For this, a preventive sanitary management program, with constant monitoring, is one of the pillars to ensure the efficiency of the herd and achieve consistent results in milk production.

6. Properly manage the animals

Proper animal management contributes directly to increased milk production, as it reduces stress, improves welfare, and stimulates natural milk production. 

A good management practice starts from the organization of the space in which the animals live to daily care, such as respect for natural behavior and rest breaks.

Creating regular feeding and milking routines also helps to decrease stress, which benefits production.

In addition, proper management includes a balanced diet, adapted to the needs of each stage of the animal's life, ensuring that all essential nutrients are present. 

Providing fresh, easily accessible water to the herd is another vital point, since hydration affects milk production directly.

Working with a well-trained team, who understands the needs of the animals and knows how to handle each situation, is also important. 

When well guided, employees can quickly identify signs of discomfort or illness, speeding up action taking. In this way, proper management not only optimizes milk production, but also preserves the health and longevity of the herd.

7. Take care of the hygiene of the pens

Corral hygiene is an aspect that should not be neglected when the goal is to increase milk production, as clean environments reduce the risk of disease and improve animal welfare. 

It is important to establish a daily cleaning routine, removing residues and applying appropriate sanitizing products to eliminate bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in animals.

Poor hygiene in pens can lead to health problems such as mastitis, an inflammation in the mammary glands that significantly decreases milk production and generates high treatment costs. 

In addition, the presence of waste and dirt can attract insects and pests that pose risks of disease transmission.

For efficient hygiene, the ideal is to divide the feeding, resting and milking areas, keeping each space always dry and well ventilated. Proper drainage is also essential to avoid water accumulation, where microorganisms proliferate. 

Keeping the pens clean is reflected in the health of the animal and, consequently, in a greater production of quality milk.

8. Make the right dosage of food

A balanced diet is one of the main factors in increasing milk production, and the correct dosage of feed ensures that animals receive the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities. 

It is essential to adapt the diet according to the productive phase of the cows, considering that nutritional needs vary according to the age, lactation and weight of the animal.

The feed must contain sources of protein, energy and minerals that favor milk production. Providing excessive or insufficient amounts of feed can cause nutritional imbalances, which affect the animal's health and production. 

To avoid these problems, nutritional monitoring with the support of a zootechnician or veterinarian is recommended, who can help adjust the diet precisely.

Another relevant point is to provide the feed at regular times and in quiet environments, avoiding competition between animals and ensuring that everyone has access to food. 

The correct dosage and the proper nutritional balance result in higher productivity and better quality milk.

9. Standardize milking time

Standardizing milking time directly contributes to the productive efficiency of dairy cows, as they adapt to a stable routine that reduces stress and improves milk production.

 Maintaining regular milking schedules creates a production cycle adjusted to the animal's biological rhythm, increasing the amount of milk produced.

The technique used in milking also makes a difference: an efficient process must ensure that the animal is relaxed and that cleaning procedures are followed before and after milking, reducing the risk of milk contamination. 

In larger operations, mechanical milking can be an option to ensure precision and uniformity in the process.

In addition, monitoring the results of each milking helps to identify any change in production quickly. Standardizing the time and method of milking contributes to the well-being of the animal and the optimization of milk production.

10. Invest in technology

Technology has transformed the dairy sector, allowing for more efficient management and increased productivity.

From sensors to monitor animal behavior and health to automated milking systems, technology offers tools to control all stages of the production process, from handling to milk sales.

One of the most promising technologies for the sector is artificial intelligence (AI), which helps monitor each animal individually, identifying behavior patterns, changes in health, and even disease propensity. 

With real-time data, it is possible to make accurate decisions to avoid problems and keep the herd healthy and productive.

Other advances include automated nutrition systems and thermal cameras for monitoring the thermal comfort of animals. 

The investment in technology represents a return in the form of productivity and quality, as it helps to reduce waste, optimize resources and improve the overall health of the herd.

11. Take care of the thermal comfort of the animals

Thermal comfort is a determining factor for milk production, as cows subjected to heat stress have their productive capacity reduced. 

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, affect the health and behavior of animals, reducing food consumption and, consequently, milk production.

To ensure a suitable environment, it is important to provide areas with shade and good ventilation, especially in regions with a hot climate. In closed systems, the use of fans and sprinklers can help maintain the most pleasant temperature and reduce thermal stress. 

On cold days, ensuring protected areas and additional forage can minimize thermal discomfort. Monitoring the temperature and humidity of the environment and adjusting conditions as needed is an efficient practice for maintaining animal welfare. 

Thermal comfort is essential to prevent a drop in milk production and to ensure that the animals are healthy and comfortable.

12. Do zootechnical control

Zootechnical control is essential to monitor the performance of the herd and identify opportunities for improvement in milk production.

This control involves the collection and analysis of data such as weight gain, fertility, daily milk production, and health indicators, allowing the producer to make decisions based on accurate information about each animal.

The use of management software facilitates zootechnical control, as it organizes and stores herd data in real time.

With these tools, it is possible to analyze the genetics and productivity of each cow, identifying which animals have the greatest productive potential and directing specific strategies to optimize performance.

The practice of zootechnical control contributes to a more efficient milk production, since it allows adjusting management, feeding and lactation time based on real data. 

Detailed herd management results in greater control over production and improves the sustainability of the operation.

13. Keep supplementation up to date

As you may have noticed, feeding the herd is one of the best ways to learn, in fact, how to make the cow increase milk, as well as its quality.

For this to be possible, it is essential to offer quality food in the recommended doses so that nutritional needs are met.

Remembering that this procedure must be carried out properly and by a professional specialized in the subject.

However, many times, nutritional recommendations are not always met and certain deficiencies can be developed.

In these cases, there may be a need to supplement the cattle, precisely so that their milk potential is expressed properly. 

In fact, supplementation is an excellent alternative to ensure greater well-being and quality of life for the animal itself. 

Understand how Lactotropin can help increase milk production

Lactotropin, a product of União Química, is an innovative solution for producers looking to increase milk production in a safe and effective way. 

This drug, which contains recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST), acts directly on the hormonal processes of dairy cows, promoting a natural increase in milk production. Controlled use of Lactotropin elevates herd efficiency without compromising animal health or milk quality.

Somatotropin is a hormone naturally present in animals, and its recombinant version stimulates the metabolism of cows, improving feed conversion and milk production. 

Lactotropin is indicated for producers who want a sustainable increase in milk production, respecting food safety and animal welfare guidelines. 

This product was developed with high technology and strict quality control, being a reliable choice to enhance the profitability of dairy production.

For those who want to maximize milk production and seek better results for the herd, Lactotropin is an efficient and proven option in the market. See more information on our website and see how it can contribute to the success of your production.

Conclusion

To increase milk production, it is necessary to adopt an integrated approach that involves care for the health, feeding, and well-being of the herd. From disease control to investment in technology, each practice contributes to maximizing the productive potential of cows. 

The importance of standardizing milking time, zootechnical control and thermal comfort also stands out, as these are actions that guarantee the stability and quality of the milk produced.

In addition to management practices, União Química's Lactotropin presents itself as an effective solution for those looking to optimize milk production in a sustainable way. 

With this combination of techniques and tools, farmers can achieve excellent performance and long-term results in dairy production.

Sources

• Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade
• Minas Gerais State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply
• Government of the State of Paraná. State News Agency
• Basic Guide to Technical Responsibility in Milk Production of the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of Rio Grande do Sul