Certified Cheese Professional Practice Exam

Which milk type is typically milked for 300 days a year?

1. Goat milk

2. Cow milk

3. Sheep milk

4. Buffalo milk

The correct answer is: Cow milk

Cows are the primary source of milk in many dairy farming operations, and it is common for dairy cows to be milked for about 300 days each year. This extended milking period is a result of the typical lactation cycle of cows, which lasts around 10 months (approximately 305 days). Farmers often manage their herds to optimize the milking duration, balancing factors such as breeding, feeding, and health practices. In contrast, goats, sheep, and buffalo may have shorter lactation periods and different farming practices that can affect how often and how long they are milked annually. For instance, the milking duration for goats is often less than that of cows, and sheep do not generally have the same level of commercial production as cow milk. Buffalo milk can be produced seasonally depending on local practices and geographical conditions, which also impacts the timeframe of milking. Thus, cow milk stands out for its typical milking duration of around 300 days each year in dairy farming.