Economy

Do dairy cows take vacations? Understand why they go two months without producing milk

Originally published by G1

Published August 2, 2026 Source: G1 2 min read

Do dairy cows take vacations? Understand why they go two months without producing milk — Image supplied by the original publication: G1

Dairy cows take a 2-month 'vacation' every year Fábio Tito/g1 Have you ever thought about taking two months off from work? For dairy cows, this is possible. At the end of each 10-month milking period, they must spend 60 days away from the activity. But this has a reason. According to Rui Verneque, deputy head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Gado de Leite, this period is important to rest the udder — which is the mammary gland — and allow the animal to direct its energy towards its own health. ?? Do you have any reporting suggestions? Send to g1 The researcher recommends that a break in milking be taken even if the animal still has milk. This allows him to return to work with good productivity and also have a longer life expectancy. This phase is known as the "dry period" in milk production.

Normally, this rest coincides with the end of the cows' pregnancy, which lasts around 9 months and 10 days. In the case of pregnant females, it also allows the body to concentrate energy on the growth of the calf that will be born. Likewise, the expert states that it is recommended to guarantee the cow 60 days of uterine rest after giving birth. This means preventing her from becoming pregnant during this period. Biologically, they can get pregnant around 20 days after the birth of the offspring. In this case, this phase helps the animal recover uterine tissue. With this pause, the producer will still be able to calve the cow once a year. READ ALSO Exporters say Brazilian meat may not be able to meet EU requirements on antimicrobials Why shouldn't meat become cheaper even with the reduction in exports to China? Where does the milk come from

Source: G1

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Key points

Dairy cows take a 2-month 'vacation' every year Fábio Tito/g1 Have you ever thought about taking two months off from work?
At the end of each 10-month milking period, they must spend 60 days away from the activity.
According to Rui Verneque, deputy head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Gado de Leite, this period is important to rest the udder — which is the mammary...