Here’s a rough graph showing milk production over a 3-year period. Each lactation cycle lasts 10 months, followed by a 2-month dry period. This results in 6 months without milk over 3 years.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the lactation cycle of a dairy cow over a standard 3-year period:

1. Lactation Period (~10 months per cycle)

• After calving, a cow produces milk for about 305 days (10 months).

• Peak milk production occurs around 60–90 days post-calving.

• Production gradually declines after that.

2. Dry Period (~2 months per cycle)

• About 60 days (2 months) before the next calving, the cow is “dried off” (stops producing milk) to allow her body to recover for the next lactation.

3. Gestation (~9 months per cycle)

• A cow is usually bred again around 60–90 days after calving.

• This means she is pregnant for about 7 months while still producing milk.

• The last 2 months of pregnancy overlap with the dry period.

Three-Year Overview

Assuming a consistent breeding cycle, the pattern repeats every year:

• 10 months of milk production

• 2 months of no milk (dry period)

In a 3-year span (36 months):

• 30 months producing milk

• 6 months dry (not producing milk)