Milking Efficiency: Intro

It is crucial that farm managers have a reliable and simple way to monitor the quality of the milking processes on their farm.

Execution of correct milking procedures helps preserve udder health, while maximizing milking efficiency processes. Milking procedures must consider the physiological aspects of milk production and let-down so that milking is completed quickly without damage to the cows' mammary glands.

The milking procedures must also maximize animal throughput, to help decrease the time it takes to complete the milking and, in turn, lower the labor costs and improve profits.

Proper milking involves the following inter-related components:

Udder Health Care

The udder is a highly-developed gland composed of four independent quarters. Its secreting tissue contains millions of cells organized in bunches (alveoli). Stimulation of the udder releases a hormone (oxytocin) that stimulates the milk let-down at the udder, when the milk is squeezed into the ducts and to the cistern. The cistern milk is milked during the first stages of the milking process. Once the cistern milk is emptied, steady flow of milk depends on having adequately stimulated the udder.

Milking Equipment Performance

Properly-functioning milking equipment is critical for fast and efficient removal of the milk, avoiding damage to the mammary glands and teats, and minimizing the transmission risk of mastitis-causing microorganisms. Bacteria can enter the udder only via the teat canal, which is the same route by which milk leaves the glands. While the teat canal is open the udder is vulnerable to infection. The time it takes for the teat canal to close post-milking correlates to the milking length (time under vacuum). Another reason to minimize the "claw-on" time.

Milking Session Practices

There is a strong correlation between proper cow “preparation” for milking, milking equipment set up parameters, and udder health. Good milking practices must prevent mastitis, while milking efficiently as possible.

A simple routine ensures that milking is properly performed. All milkers must understand the importance of a consistent milking routine, and implement it at every milking, see Optimal Milking Routines.