The volume of milk a dairy cow produces follows a curve over the lactation cycle, peaking early and gradually declining. Here’s a breakdown of how it varies between calving events:

Milk Production Curve

1. Peak Milk Production (Weeks 6–10 post-calving)

• After calving, milk production increases rapidly, peaking around 60–90 days.

• This peak can range from 30–50 liters (8–13 gallons) per day, depending on breed and nutrition.

2. Gradual Decline (~Months 4–10 Post-Calving)

• After peaking, production declines at a rate of ~6–10% per month.

• By month 10, a cow may produce only 50% of her peak yield.

3. Dry Period (~Last 2 Months Before Next Calving)

• Around months 11–12, the cow is “dried off” (stopped from milking) to prepare for the next calving.

• No milk is produced during this time.

How This Looks Over a Year

• High yield: Months 2–5

• Moderate yield: Months 6–9

• Low yield: Month 10

• No milk: Months 11–12

Long-Term Milk Yield Trends

• The overall volume depends on genetics, diet, and management.

• Some high-yield breeds (e.g., Holsteins) maintain higher output longer than lower-yield breeds (e.g., Jerseys).

• Older cows tend to produce slightly more milk in later lactations (until about their 4th–5th lactation, after which production may decline).