Do milking cows have to be pregant once before they produce milk?

Answer 1

Yep- dairy cows are bred and start producing milk once their calf is born. The calf is pulled (in most production settings) and bottle fed while the cow is then milked for approx 300 days and is dried off (quit being milked) just prior to giving birth to her next calf.

Answer 2

Yes. Although milk production could be initiated by hormone injections, giving birth is the easiest and most profitable way to bring a cow's milk on. The calf can be used to extend the herd or be sold.

Answer 3

I really don't believe so.