How soon after a cow gives birth does her milk get sold?
A cow’s milk is sold about four days after she gives birth. During the first few days, she produces colostrum and transition milk, which are not sold.
After calving (or giving birth), the first milk they produce is called colostrum- which contains a high percentage of fat and protein, which makes it quite thick and yellow. Colostrum also contains the antibodies and white blood cells needed to support the calf's immune system until its own development.
After this first-milking colostrum is collected, a cow will transition to making normal milk over the next four days (it becomes whiter and less thick) and will then join the milking herd.
Colostrum and transition milk don't go into the farm’s milk vat to be collected by a milk factory.
Got a dairy question?
We're here to help! Ask us anything about dairy and our experts will provide answers.