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DHerman1407 t1_iy9l63k wrote

Today’s dairy cows produce much more milk, per day, than is physically consumable by calves. Some farms use their own milk to feed calves and the excess is sent to processing for fluid milk, cheese and yogurt, other farms will use milk replacement powder and send all their milk for processing (reasons may be for a more consistent, nutritional product for the calves or due to lack of storage space for fluid milk). Cows only produce milk after having a calf. Cows who are in the 2nd or greater lactation have what is called a dry period which is typically 60 days prior to their due date where they are not milked. A lactation typically lasts 305 days, however, may be longer or shorter depending on health events, timing of breeding, etc. Most calves, in the dairy industry, have milk in their diet for the first 7-9 weeks of age (USA statistic-Penn State Extension) before transitioning to solid feeds to aid in proper rumen development. Hope this helps answer your questions!

Edit to add for credibility: I’ve worked in the dairy industry for 8+ years and have a BSc Animal Science (dairy focused dissertation) and am currently finishing a MSc Ruminant Nutrition.

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ms_myco OP t1_iy9r0ve wrote

Why do cows produce more milk than their calves could drink? Also, how could it be better for the calves to drink milk replacer rather than just drink the milk that was made for them by their mother?

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Aberdolf-Linkler t1_iy9tggy wrote

Selective breeding. The cow as you know it, just like every farm animal, never existed in the wild. The caw was slowly domesticated from the wild Auroch.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurochs

Making too much milk is just a part of this process. Just like how a sheep will die from growing too much wool if let free.

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DHerman1407 t1_iy9ssga wrote

Over the years, advances in genetics and nutrition have increased the production potential of dairy cows. We have done the same with all agricultural species and their respective products to make more product, more efficiently to keep up with demand. Milk replacer is made with standard nutrient values, so when it’s mixed to a fluid you know exactly how much protein, fat and vitamins are being given to calves. With milk coming off farm, you can’t guarantee each litre has the same values as there is greater variation. Some cows produce milk with more protein, some produce more fat and when it’s pooled together to be fed it’s harder to ascertain if the calves needs are being met or are in excess. Additionally, if calves are getting a higher protein milk one day or feeding and then a lower protein milk the next it can result in some serious digestive upsets that could be avoided when kept on a product with stable values.

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Chapman79 t1_iya1n01 wrote

For the same reason human mothers can often pump more than their baby needs and donate (or store) the excess. The amount you (or the cow) can produce depends on the age and size of the baby and how much stimulation the breast/udder receives.

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