[billmac]

What is it? How do I diagnose it? Treat it?

My nubian doe had a single doeling. A little over two months ago. I'm in no hurry to milk, but I noticed her udder shrinking, so I started milking a week or so ago, but still leaving the doeling in with her. As I say, I'm in no hurry to milk. The doeling is growing well and does not seem to suffer from hunger.

When I milk her, I'm getting perhaps a quarter of a cup from her. She is a lopsided doe with one weak side that always gives less. On that weak side, I'm getting maybe a few squirts. Since I have started milking her and upped her grain, the udder is getting a little bigger but still only a tiny amount of milk.

The udder seems like a soft outer layer with a harder ball inside. Is that congested udder? Is it possible the doeling is just drinking it all?

If I don't treat it, and just write off this lactation, will she have it for the next?
I've heard about massaging with oil and all that, but I can't imagine the bigger dairy farmers doing this. Is there a veterinary treatment?

Thanks

 

[ksalvagno]

It sounds like she is drying up. They only produce what is being asked of them. Do both sides have the "ball" or just the larger one?

As far as congested udder, only massage and warm compresses and using bag balm or peppermint oil will help. Even the big farms have to do that.

If you do want milk for the next time, you have to milk them from day one with a single.

 

[billmac]

Only one side, the larger side, has the ball.

 

[ksalvagno]

That is normal when they are milking.

 

[happybleats]

yep I agree..message that lump..a few times a day..work it out.., pepper mint ess oil does help I add it to whipped Coconut oil and a few drops of Vit E..message in a kneading motion..deep but gentle...milk out whats there and message again..do this as often as you can..
It is normal for mom to naturally ween her kids...at almost 3 months she may have decided she's done and with no more demand for milk her body will stop producing it..sounds like this is what is happening with your doe..its good to end her milking season with a healthy udder so messaging the lump is still a good idea