Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Hand Milking
• Method 2 of 2: Milking with a milking machine
• Tips
• Warnings

If you ever find yourself near a cow and need to milk it, it may not be as easy as it seems at first glance (especially if you have to milk with a milking machine). In addition, if a cow is naughty for some reason, it can be dangerous. Therefore, before you start milking, read the description here on how to do it correctly and as safely as possible.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Hand Milking

1. 1 Make sure the cow is firmly tied to the support.
2. 2 Wash the udder with soapy water or an iodine solution. Too warm water can "knock" milk. Dry the udder. Wipe it gently so as not to irritate the nipples.
3. 3 Place a bucket under the udder. Better yet, hold it with your feet. This position will prevent the cow from kicking and knocking over the bucket of milk.
4. 4 Sit on a stool or in a half-sitting position. This will allow you to get up quickly if the cow becomes naughty and kicks. For example, sitting cross-legged on the ground is not a safe position. See the Warnings section below. The milking chair should be low enough so that when sitting on it you have access to the cow's lower torso.
5. 5 Apply a lubricant to your palms (such as Vaseline). This is necessary in order to reduce the friction process to a minimum.
6. 6 Pick up 2 of the 4 nipples. Choose nipples that are diagonal rather than side by side (front left and back right, for example). Or try the front nipples first and then the back nipples.
7. 7 Squeeze the base of the nipple, gently pinch each nipple between the spread thumb and forefinger so that the nipples are completely in your palm, filling it. Keeping your hands in this position, begin to slowly squeeze them towards the bottom.
8. 8 Press the nipple down to let the milk flow out. When doing this, do not unclench your hands so that the milk does not go back into the udder. Do not jerk your nipples. Repeat the movement, sequentially squeezing your fingers from the middle to the little finger. Be gentle but firm. Pay attention to the condition of the udder and teats (preventing mastitis). See Tips.
9. 9 Repeat on the other side. Most people prefer to make downward movements by alternately changing hands (right, left, right, left, etc.), as this requires less effort than milking with both hands at the same time.
10. 10 Continue until you see that the nipples are already empty. Experienced farmers know how to feel the moment when all the milk has already been milked. Often, even without looking at the amount of milk in the bucket, they can tell if the udder is empty enough or not.
11. 11 Go to the other side (in case you used a non-diagonal method).

Method 2 of 2: Milking with a milking machine

1. 1 Place the cow in the same position as described above.
2. 2 Wash your nipples as previously mentioned.
3. 3 Turn on the milking machine and let it build up pressure.
4. 4 Massage each nipple with your hands (mastitis prevention). "Tips").
5. 5 Release the pressure when suction starts.
6. 6 Attach a suction device to each nipple. Do this quickly so that the machine does not lose pressure.
7. 7 Wait until the machine has sucked out all the milk and the udder has become sluggish (as previously indicated).
8. 8 Unhook the device from the nipples.
   • Many modern milking machines do not require manual removal of the suction cups. Some of them fall down on their own if milking was done on dry teats.
9. 9 Fill a milk tray or other container with milk.
10. 10 Wash the machine from milk residues. This will prevent it from drying out and extend the life of the machine.

Tips

• Always approach the cow slowly. Speak in a low, calm voice. Pat her side gently, letting her know which side you are on.Do not make sudden movements. If you scare her, she may start to panic and she will kick you or kick you with her tail.
• If your cow is restive and loves to tease you, outsmart her.
• If the animal kicks, try placing something soft in front of its hind legs. This will prevent her from hitting you.
  • If that doesn't work, try teaching her not to kick.
• The milk stream must be firm. If there is an obstruction in the milk flow, it could be mastitis. If you suspect your wet nurse has mastitis, strain the milk through a sieve for several days and look for lumps. If there are clots, treatment should be started.
• If you milk with your hands and you have no experience in this business yet, be prepared for the fact that your hands will get tired. One cow can produce up to 45 liters of milk per milking. You can take a break, but remember that you are at risk, as a cow that is not fully milked can become nervous.
• Cracked nipples irritate the cow. Treat them with ointment or balm (lanolin).
• Babies can practice milking with rubber gloves filled with water with puncture holes in each finger.
• Some cows can kick the bucket with their feet, but if it has a handle, you can grab it in time and prevent the milk from pouring out.
• If milking with your hands, do not jerk or pull on your nipples (as is often shown on TV). Just squeeze gently and that's it.
• Some people prefer to use milk instead of hand cream.
• To keep the cow calm while you milk her, give her hay or grain. At the same time, make sure that it does not end, and replenish the feeder in time.
• Don't tie the cow's tail to your leg. This is not a tie. A cow can release him in an instant, but for you it is fraught with a trip to the hospital.

Warnings

• The cow has a biting and hard blow. It can knock out a tooth or lead to a concussion. Make sure to work with a gentle, empathetic and well trained animal.
• Watch your step. The average cow weighs over 350 kg. Therefore, if she steps on your foot, it will not seem a little.
• You can get hit in the face (often with the tail). This is okay, but it can still be annoying. If a cow hits you in the face with its tail, wash it immediately. There may be germs and manure in there.
• Cows can strike from the side (limited) and from behind.
• Do not think that if a cow has allowed herself to be milked, she is obedient. She can do tricks during milking or relieve herself. Do not be surprised by this.
• Be careful not to trip over the wires or pipes of the milking machine.