Effect of changes in milking routine on milking related behaviour and milk removal in Tunisian dairy dromedary camels

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moufida Atigui ◽  
Pierre-Guy Marnet ◽  
Naziha Ayeb ◽  
Touhami Khorchani ◽  
Mohamed Hammadi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stress ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Limited Effect ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Environmental Perturbation ◽  
Environmental Perturbations ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Total Milk

We studied the effects of changes in the milking routine (lack or presence of 30-s prestimulation, 0 or 1, 2 or 4-min delay between preparation and cluster attachment) and environmental perturbation (unusual loud sounds capable of frightening animals just after stall entry or during the course of milking) on milk removal and milking-related behaviour in dairy dromedary camels. A 30-s prestimulation decreased incidence of bimodal milk flow curves and increased occurrence of the best milk ejection patterns with higher milk flow but had limited effect on milk production in our well-trained animals within a good machine milking setting. However, unusual sounds heard from the beginning of milking or even after milk ejection caused inhibition or disruption of milk removal and modification of camels’ behaviour. Milk ejection was significantly delayed (1·58±0·17 min), residual milk increased over 40% of total milk yield and average and peak milk flow rates were significantly lowered when unusual noises were heard from the beginning of milking. These environmental perturbations increased signs of vigilance and the number of attempts to escape the milking parlour. Delaying cluster attachment for over 1 min after the end of udder preparation caused serious milk losses. Up to 62% of total milk was withheld in the udder when the delay reached 4 min. Average and peak milk flow rates also decreased significantly with delayed milking. Signs of vigilance and attempts to escape from the milking parlour appeared when camels waited for over 2 min. After a 4-min delay, camels showed signs of acute stress. Defaecation prior to milk ejection (solid faeces) and rumination during milking can be used to assess camels’ milk ejection during milking. Animal welfare and milking efficiency can be ensured when camels are pre-stimulated, milked in calm conditions and with cluster attachment within a maximum of a 1-min delay after stimulation

scholarly journals Reduced claw vacuum and b-phase during low milk flow does not impact oxytocin release and milking performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Neuheuser ◽  
Ann-Catherine Schwinn ◽  
Olga Wellnitz ◽  
Lorenzo E. Hernández-Castellano ◽  
Rupert M. Bruckmaier
Keyword(s):  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Oxytocin Release

Oxytocin release, milking characteristics, and teat condition were investigated with reduced claw vacuum and pulsation settings compared to milking at regular settings with or without pre-stimulation. The reduced vacuum and pulsation settings during low milk flow are expected to protect the teat tissue before the occurrence of milk ejection at the start of milking, and at the end of milking during a potential overmilking period, i.e. at a milk flow <200 g/min. Seven cows were machine-milked either after a 60 s manual pre-stimulation, or without pre-stimulation and reduced vacuum and pulsation settings, or at full vacuum and normal pulsation during the start of milking. Plasma oxytocin (OT) concentration increased similarly in response to manual pre-stimulation and to both milking with reduced, or with full vacuum and pulsation settings, however delayed by 1 min if the cluster was attached without pre-stimulation. In all treatments OT concentrations remained elevated throughout milking. Milk flow curves were mostly non-bimodal at milkings after manual pre-stimulation and bimodal at milkings without pre-stimulation. The main milking time was shorter and average milk flow was higher during milking after pre-stimulation, but did not differ between treatments without pre-stimulation. Milk yields and peak flow rates were not affected by treatments. Either reduced or full vacuum settings were again applied during an intended overmilking from 200 to 100 g/min of milk flow towards the end of milk harvest. Pre-milking teat ultrasound cross sections were recorded one day before the experiment started. Post-milking ultrasound cross sections were performed at 15 min after each experimental milking. Teat wall thickness was increased after milking as compared to pre-milking but did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, OT release and milking performance are similar if milking is performed with pre-stimulation, or without pre-stimulation but reduced claw vacuum and b-phase during low milk flow.

Machine milking of Ostfriesian and Lacaune dairy sheep: udder anatomy, milk ejection and milking characteristics

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUPERT M. BRUCKMAIER ◽  
GEORG PAUL ◽  
HARALD MAYER ◽  
DIETER SCHAMS
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Ultrasound Measurement ◽  
Delayed Response ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Oxytocin Release

Mammary cistern anatomy derived from ultrasound measurement, milk ejection in response to exogenous oxytocin and oxytocin release and milking characteristics with and without manual prestimulation in early (months 2–4) and late (months 5–8) lactation were investigated in Lacaune and Ostfriesian dairy ewes. Vertical ultrasound cisternal cross sections of the cisternal cavities did not differ in the two breeds, whereas the cisternal area fraction located lower than the exit into the teat channel was larger in Ostfriesian than in Lacaune sheep. The cisternal area enlarged within 1 min in response to i.v. oxytocin injection, indicating milk ejection. During milking, oxytocin concentrations in Lacaune generally increased dramatically within 0·5 min from the start of prestimulation or milking, whereas only slight or no oxytocin release was detected during milking without prestimulation in Ostfriesian ewes. Prestimulation induced oxytocin release in Ostfriesian sheep within 1–2 min after the start of milking, indicating delayed response to stimulation. Two peaked milk flow curves were observed when oxytocin release and milk ejection occurred only after removal of cisternal milk. This type of milk flow was more frequent in Ostfriesian than in Lacaune ewes and was reduced in both breeds by prestimulation, while the frequency of one peaked milk flow curves increased. During the course of lactation, milk yield, main milk fraction and milk flow rates decreased, while stripping yield was almost unchanged. Although milk yield was similar in both breeds, milk flow was lower and stripping yield was higher in Ostfriesian than in Lacaune ewes. We conclude that milk ejection in ewes occurred in response to elevated oxytocin concentrations. In Ostfriesian ewes reduced and delayed oxytocin response to teat stimulation resulted in milk ejection only during stripping. Therefore, and probably because a larger volume of the cistern was located below the teat exit in the Ostfriesian breed, stripping yield was higher in Ostfriesian than in Lacaune sheep.

scholarly journals Machine Milkability of Dromedary Camels: Correlation between Udder Morphology and Milk Flow Traits

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2014
Author(s):  
Moufida Atigui ◽  
Marwa Brahmi ◽  
Imen Hammadi ◽  
Pierre-Guy Marnet ◽  
Mohamed Hammadi
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Kinetics Parameters ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Average Flow ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Morphological Selection

This study aims to measure mammary morphological traits with a functional influence on machine milking ability of Tunisian Camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their evolution according to the stage of lactation and parity. Udder and teat measurements were recorded before morning milking and associated with the measurement of milk emission kinetics parameters evaluated with Lactocorder® devices (WMB AG, Balgache, Switzerland) and observations. Three main teat shapes were recorded and their dimensions evolved with parity and stage of lactation. The milk flow curves were classified into three main types according to their maximum and average flow rates and they also evolve according to parity and stage of lactation. An average of 41% of the milk flow curves was bimodal. The correlations showed that some morphological traits were unfavorable to rapid milking and that these increase with parity. Therefore, this study provides the first elements for a morphological selection associated with an aptitude for mechanical milking which appears rather good in our dromedaries. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to monitor a possible negative evolution of the functional and anatomical traits of the udders during the career of the animals.

Inhibition of milk ejection in cows by oxytocin receptor blockade, α-adrenergic receptor stimulation and in unfamiliar surroundings

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUPERT M. BRUCKMAIER ◽  
OLGA WELLNITZ ◽  
JÜRG W. BLUM
Keyword(s):  
Adrenergic Receptor ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Receptor Blockade ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Receptor Stimulation ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Drug Treatments ◽  
Similar Peak

Inhibition of milk ejection in cows by oxytocin receptor blockade (Atosiban) and α-adrenergic receptor stimulation (phenylephrine) prior to prestimulation was compared with inhibition of milk ejection in unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, Atosiban and phenylephrine were administered after a 1 min prestimulation or 1 min after the start of milking. Oxytocin concentrations increased during milking in all treatments. The spontaneously removed milk fraction (before oxytocin was injected) was similar for Atosiban and phenylephrine treatments and in unfamiliar surroundings, but lower than in controls. Peak flow rates were similar in all treatments, but reduced as compared with controls when phenylephrine and Atosiban were administered before prestimulation. Peripheral (Atosiban, phenylephrine) and central (unfamiliar surroundings) inhibition of milk ejection reduced the amount of available milk similarly. Drug treatments resulted in similar peak flow rates; however, teats were contracted after phenylephrine administration but not after Atosiban. The inhibition induced by Atosiban could be abolished by oxytocin injection, but not that induced by phenylephrine, which was antagonized by α-adrenergic receptor blockade. These results indicate that inhibition of milk ejection through activation of α-adrenergic receptors is based on blockade of milk flow into the cistern, but not through the teats.

First description of milk flow traits in Tunisian dairy dromedary camels under an intensive farming system

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moufida Atigui ◽  
Mohamed Hammadi ◽  
Ahmed Barmat ◽  
Mohamed Farhat ◽  
Touhami Khorchani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Plateau Phase ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Intensive Farming ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Type 3

In order to evaluate milking ability in dromedary camels, 124 milk flow curves were registered during morning milking of 20 dairy Maghrebi dromedary camels. Animals were in lactations 1–8, were 6–19 years old and were 4–15 months of their current lactation. Milk flow curves were recorded using an electronic milk flow meter (Lactocorder®). Milk flow curves were classified in three typical patterns: type 1 represents curves with one high and short peak of milk flow; type 2 represents curves with a moderate mean milk flow rate during a large plateau phase; and type 3 represents curves with lower mean milk flow rate and a relatively longer milking duration. The ratio of the different milk flow patterns in the population evaluated was 40:38:22% for types 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The highest milk yield per milking, average and peak milk flow were observed in camels with type 1 curves (4·24 kg, 1·49 and 3·54 kg/min, respectively) followed by type 2 animals (3·30 kg, 1·12 and 2·12 kg/min, respectively) and lastly type 3 curves (2·34 kg, 0·65 and 1·23 kg/min, respectively). This study confirmed that a major proportion of dromedary camels have a suitable machine milking ability. Nevertheless, our results suggest that pre-stimulation and improving the milking process may improve milking efficiency and guarantee a more complete and rapid emptying of the udder.

scholarly journals Pre-milking mechanical teat stimulation and milking performance of dairy buffaloes in early lactation

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-55
Author(s):  
Francesco Maria Tangorra ◽  
Stefania Leonardi ◽  
Valerio Bronzo ◽  
Nicola Rota ◽  
Paolo Moroni
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Peak Flow Rate ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Enhancing Effect ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Automatic Removal

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of pre-milking mechanical teat stimulation on milk yield and milking performance of dairy buffaloes in early lactation. For this purpose, twenty-two healthy Italian Mediterranean buffaloes in their first to third lactation and in early lactation (<120 days in milk) were subjected to two treatments of teat stimulation: i) washing of the teats with water for about 5 s and attaching of the milking unit within 60 s, without any pre-milking massage (farm milking routine); ii) fast pulsation (FP), achieved by increasing pulsation rate to 120 pulsations per min during the first 60 s after application of teat cups. Each treatment lasted for 10 days and the following parameters were measured: milk yield (kg/milking), milk yield at 2 min after unit attachment (kg), time between milking unit attachment and its automatic removal (min), peak milk flow rate (kg/min), and milking time to reach peak flow rate (min). The average milk flow rate (kg/min) was calculated by dividing milk yield by the actual milking time. Milk yield was not affected by mechanical pre-stimulation and during the first 2 min of milking 20.2% and 19.6% of total milk yield were milked respectively when treatments 1 and 2 were applied. The time elapsed from attachment of the milking cluster until its automatic removal was less than 8 min both for buffaloes subjected to FP, and for buffaloes subjected just to washing of the teats before attaching the milking unit. FP stimulation did not show an enhancing effect on peak and average milk flow rates and on milking time to reach peak flow rate.

scholarly journals Milk removal in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings: concentrations of oxytocin, prolactin, cortisol and β–endorphin

1993 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert M. Bruckmaier ◽  
Dieter Schams ◽  
Jürg W. Blum
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Operating Theatre ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Oxytocin Release ◽  
Central Inhibition ◽  
Vaginal Stimulation

SummaryEight cows were machine milked either in an operating theatre or in their familiar barn. During the experiments, milk flow curves were recorded and blood samples were taken for determination of concentrations of oxytocin, prolactin, cortisol and β–endorphin. The milking cluster was attached without udder preparation. After cessation of milk flow, air was blown into the vagina for 2 min. When milk flow had stopped again, 1 i.u. oxytocin and finally 10 i.u. oxytocin were injected to remove the remaining milk. After the start of milking, oxytocin remained basal in unfamiliar, but increased in familiar surroundings. Therefore, during normal milking only 9% of total milk was removed in unfamiliar, whereas 79% was available in familiar surroundings. In response to subsequent vaginal stimulation in the operating theatre, oxytocin increased transiently in five cows and 15–71% of the milk was removed in these animals. In the other three cows in the operating theatre, oxytocin remained basal during vaginal stimulation, and no more milk was available. After injection of 1 i.u. oxytocin, 56 and 11%, and after injection of 10 i.u. oxytocin, 13 and 8% of milk was removed in unfamiliar and familiar surroundings respectively. Concentrations of prolactin increased during the course of milking in both treatments. Premilking concentrations of cortisol and β–endorphin were elevated in unfamiliar as compared with familiar surroundings. During the course of milking, cortisol increased slightly and β–endorphin decreased in unfamiliar, whereas both hormones increased markedly during milking in familiar surroundings. We conclude that disturbed milk removal in unfamiliar surroundings is due to central inhibition of oxytocin release during normal milking and partly also to a response to vaginal stimulation. This blockade is possibly associated with elevated concentrations of β–endorphin.

scholarly journals  The level of udder emptying and milk flow stability in Tsigai, Improved Valachian, and Lacaune ewes during machine milking

2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 240-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mačuhová ◽  
V. Tančin ◽  
M. Uhrinčať ◽  
J. Mačuhová
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Flow Curve ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
The Stability ◽  
June July ◽  
Daily Milk

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of milk flow curves and the volume of residual milk in relation to milk flow curves in breeds Tsigai, Improved Valachian, and Lacaune (n&nbsp;= 16 heads per breed) milked twice daily. Milk flow type stability was evaluated at morning milking (stabile milkings) during three successive days in the middle of two months (June, July). After the following fourth morning milking (OT milkings) in both months, oxytocin was injected intravenously at a dose of 2&nbsp;UI. Afterwards the ewes were milked again in order to remove residual milk. The milk flow curves were classified into four types: 1 peak (1P), 2 peaks (2P), plateau I (maximal milk flow over 0.4 l/min) (PLI), plateau II (maximal milk flow less than 0.4 l/min) (PLII). If all milk flow curves of one animal were of the same type within one month and within both months, respectively, the animal was characterized as the ewe with the stabile type of milk flow. Frequency of occurrence of single milk flow types (1P : 2P : PLI : PLII) during stabile milkings was 42 : 49 : 9 : 0% in June and 51 : 37.5 : 11.5 : 0% in July. 33 ewes (i.e. 69%) had the stabile type of milk flow within both months. But, more than 51% of them had 1P type of milk flow. Milk production varied according to milk flow curve during OT milkings (0.427 &plusmn; 0.015, 0.498 &plusmn; 0.024, and 0.655 &plusmn; 0.035 l for 1P, 2P, and PLI, respectively). The highest percentage of residual milk from total milk yield (RM/TMY) was observed in ewes with 1P (20.29 &plusmn; 0.85%), followed by ewes with PLI (12.31 &plusmn; 1.99%) and 2P (9.72 &plusmn; 1.36%) (P &lt; 0.0001). Lacaune ewes had the lowest amount of residual milk (0.054 &plusmn; 0.006 l) and RM/TMY (9.86 &plusmn; 1.16%) compared to breeds Tsigai (0.088 &plusmn; 0.008 l; 16.47 &plusmn; 1.44%) and Improved Valachian (0.069 &plusmn; 0.010 l; 15.99 &plusmn; 1.78%) indicating their better udder emptying. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Machine milking of dairy goats during lactation: udder anatomy, milking characteristics, and blood concentrations of oxytocin and prolactin

1994 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert M. Bruckmaier ◽  
Chantal Ritter ◽  
Dieter Schams ◽  
Jürg W. Blum
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Dairy Goats ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
The Third ◽  
Milk Flow

SummaryForty-four goats were milked and milk flow recorded without or with 1 min manual prestimulation in early, mid and late lactation. Ultrasound measurements of cross sections of the whole mammary gland were performed in a water bath. In additional experiments with 15 goats, milk flow was recorded and frequent blood samples were taken for the determination of oxytocin and prolactin concentrations. Milk yield increased from the first to the third lactation and decreased markedly during the course of lactation. Average and peak milk flow rates were closely related to the actual milk yield. The ultrasound cisternal area was 27·4±1·5% of the entire udder half cross section. Milking characteristics were scarcely different without or with prestimulation, although oxytocin was released within 30 s after the start of prestimulation, whereas oxytocin concentrations without prestimulation increased only after the start of milking. Concentrations of prolactin were higher during July and August than in April, and increased similarly with or without prestimulation during milking. In contrast to dairy cows, prestimulation and an opportune release of oxytocin during milking does not significantly influence the course of milk flow in goats, and this is probably because large amounts of cisternal milk allow milk ejection to be induced only after the start of milking without causing bimodal or otherwise reduced milk flow.

scholarly journals Simultaneous recording of oxytocin release, milk ejection and milk flow during milking of dairy cows with and without prestimulation

1996 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert M. Bruckmaier ◽  
Jürg W. Blum
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Simultaneous Recording ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Oxytocin Release ◽  
Plateau Time ◽  
Milking Machine ◽  
Left Front

SummaryThe effects of manual teat stimulation compared with stimulation by the liner of a conventional milking machine and the influence of milk ejection on the course of milk flow during the entire milking were investigated. Twelve cows were milked with or without prestimulation on three quarters and milk flow was recorded while intramammary pressure (IMP) was recorded in the left front quarter and blood samples for the determination of oxytocin (OT) were taken at 1 min intervals. OT concentrations increased very similarly in response to manual teat stimulation or liner stimulation and remained elevated during the entire milking procedure. Milk flow curves were generally bimodal without stimulation and not bimodal during milking after prestimulation. Milk yield was not significantly lower in milkings without than with stimulation, whereas machine-on time was prolonged and peak milk flow rate was reduced during milking without stimulation. Time to reach milk flow plateau, time to reach peak flow rate and IMP profiles were similar in both treatments if time was calculated from the start of stimulation. IMP increased similarly in response to manual or liner teat stimulation. In milkings with and without prestimulation IMP did not reach its maximum until the start of milking. In bimodal milk flow curves the second increase of milk flow occurred concomitantly with the start of IMP increase; ejection IMP generally occurred concomitantly with the milk flow plateau. In some cases during milking without prestimulation only small and transient OT release was observed. In response, IMP did not increase to its maximum and increased further in response to a stripping-related OT release. During the course of milking IMP decreased slightly because of the emptying of the three milked quarters. After the end of milking, and with OT concentrations decreasing to the premilking values, IMP again decreased slightly to another plateau, probably owing to myoepithelial relaxation. Thus the course of milk ejection, i.e. the IMP profile, influenced milk removal markedly during early milking.

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