Do Calves or Heifers Produce Milk? Can a Cow Produce Milk Without going through Pregnancy?
Many people will answer NO. But "YES", it can happen rarely. This condition is known as "precocious mammary development and lactation" A calf or heifer can produce milk without going through pregnancy due to following reasons. 1. Constant suckling by other heifers. 2. Feeding of estrogen containing plants (e.g. Alfalfa, Red clover) 3. Feeding of spoiled fodder that contains estrogenic mycotoxin (Zearalenone) 4. Presence of tumor in the granulosa cells of ovary, which raises blood estrogen concentration. 5. Placental transfer of steroid from mother to fetus stimulates milk secretion in newborn. Treatment Strategies *Isolation of affected animal for 6 wks will relieve the symptoms. *Remove estrogenic plants in the grazing area if any. *Replace dry fodders if it is stored for long term or wet. *Rectal palpation of ovary for tumor. Culling is the best option if it's present. Artificial induction of milk production It is performed r...