What is a lactation curve?

• A. A chart of cow weight gain during lactation
• B. The graph showing milk yield over time after calving, typically rising to a peak then declining
• C. The schedule of milking times
• D. The hormone profile during luteal phase

Answer: (B)

A lactation curve is a graph that shows how milk production changes over the course of a cow’s lactation after calving. It typically climbs after calving to a peak milk yield a few weeks in, then gradually declines as lactation progresses. This pattern helps farmers plan feed and nutrition, set milking strategies, and forecast total production over the lactation period. It’s not about body weight changes, milking schedules, or hormonal profiles, which are different concepts.