What is 'cake'

[BeardedChick]

What is cake in the udder, why is it there, and when does it go away? Is there another name for it?

I couldn't find much when I googled it, but most of the hits I got were NOT cow related (you don't even wanna know).

 

[Farmer Kitty]

The caking in an udder is the swelling that happens when she is bagging up and preparing for the calf to come. It should diminish with time and I would say is gone by the end of the first month. Each cow is a little different. Yes, it should be easier for you to hand milk her with it out.

 

[BeardedChick]

Does the cake feel hard or soft?

 

[wynedot55]

cake makes the bagg feel hard.an it will break up in 2 or 3wks.an go away.does your milk have any chunks or flakes in it.if so that means its breaking up.

 

[BeardedChick]

Yes, the bag feels hard in places.

No chunks or flakes in the milk yet. The calf is about 11 days old, so it sounds like it could be another week before the cake breaks up...

 

[wynedot55]

yes a week maybe 2.

 

[BeardedChick]

Then will the udder feel more like a bag full of liquid??

ps. her chapped teat looks a lot better today... really amazing how fast it heals.

 

[wynedot55]

when the swelling or cake leaves the bagg it should be nice an soft.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

when the swelling or cake leaves the bagg it should be nice an soft.

True. You will be able to tell when she has milk and when she is milked out. It won't feel like a bag full of swishing around liquid but, it will feel like a full bag or an empty one.

 

[BeardedChick]

That will be helpful. Right now I have noooo idea how much milk is left.