Transitioning new beef cows to being milked

[Anthony]

Early next week 2 milking devon cows, currently part of a beef herd of around 30, are scheduled to arrive and become part of our farm. They are 6 and 9 years of age, and are due to calve at the end of May/beginning of June. We are planning to hand milk one or both of them.

We’re setting up a physical corral with metal gates as well as electric rope set off inside, about 30 ft x 10 ft, with direct access to an entrance to the barn where they are to be milked, into which they’ll be unloaded when they arrive and live for a couple/few weeks. They have been in a barn as in harsher winters they were fed there at their current home, and the younger cow was born on Halloween and spent many of its younger days inside the barn. Neither has much direct handling.

We are looking for ways to introduce them to us and get them more comfortable being close to human beings. We’d like to either halter or lead them with a chain or leather around their necks to be tied in the barn, and they will probably be led in for milking and back out to pasture. Any suggestions in facilitating this process would be appreciated.

Edit: Has anyone used rescue remedy (bach flower essence) or homeopathic remedies when transitioning animals or other stressful situations, and how might they receive it?

[dominiquer60]

I don’t know if they have horns or not, but if they are not used to being lead, with or without horns you will be better off leading them with halters until they get good at it. Unless the are well trained, a cow can easily walk/run away with you on the end of a lead attached to a collar. Homeopathic remedies can be given in water or dissolved in water and put on grain if they eat any, one friend will also put it in a spray bottle and mist around the house to keep husband and cats in harmony. Best of Luck.

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