Comparison of a Standardized and Variable Milking Routine

Abstract

Effects of premilking udder preparation and the interval from beginning of udder preparation until machine attachment were measured on complete lactation milk performance, milkability, milk quality, udder health, and operator working conditions of two groups of Danish Black and White cows: 1) 31 cows received 31 9 s of premilking stimulation with an interval of 1.22 .25 min (standard routine), and 2) 31 cows received 17 5 s of premilking stimulation and a variable interval of 3.06 1.56 min (control routine). Cows milked by the standard routine yielded 1.3 kg of 4% FCM more per day than did those cows milked by the control routine. This difference in lactation milk yield was mainly due to cows on the standard routine maintaining a higher fat percentage throughout the lactation. Control cows had a higher peak milk flow rate and shorter machineon time, but the time from beginning of stimulation until removal of the machine was longer. The additional teat washing decreased the total bacterial counts and content of anaerobic spores in the milk. No difference in udder health was found between the two groups. Proposals for standard milking routines in tie stalls and in milking parlors are given.