Any tips for successfully milking heifers?

Just before and after calving, a heifer goes through a lot of changes. She calves for the first time, is milked for the first time and often gets a new place in which hierarchy features. These are all stress factors that have a negative effect on the heifer’s immune system and the start of lactation. 

Do any of you guys have some nice tips to share? How you overcame this obstacle?

  • As a dairy farmer, I can definitely relate to this. First-calf heifers are under a lot of pressure like a new routine, new environment, and being pushed around by older cows. We've seen how that stress can really impact their first lactation. Giving them extra time and attention during this period makes a difference. We’ve started grouping our heifers separately before and after calving to help them adjust, and it’s helped reduce stress and improve milk let-down. Good reminder that management around calving is just as important as feeding or milking.