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.

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

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  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 = 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 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 ± 0.015, 0.498 ± 0.024, and 0.655 ± 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 ± 0.85%), followed by ewes with PLI (12.31 ± 1.99%) and 2P (9.72 ± 1.36%) (P < 0.0001). Lacaune ewes had the lowest amount of residual milk (0.054 ± 0.006 l) and RM/TMY (9.86 ± 1.16%) compared to breeds Tsigai (0.088 ± 0.008 l; 16.47 ± 1.44%) and Improved Valachian (0.069 ± 0.010 l; 15.99 ± 1.78%) indicating their better udder emptying.  

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 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.

scholarly journals The first observation of milkability of the sheep breeds Tsigai, Improved Valachian and their crosses with Lacaune

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 528-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mačuhová ◽  
M. Uhrinčať ◽  
J. Mačuhová ◽  
M. Margetín ◽  
V. Tančin
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Opposite Effect ◽  
Flow Curves ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Electronic Recording ◽  
Milk Level ◽  
Suitable Potential

The aim of this study was to evaluate the milkability of two purebred breeds Tsigai (TS, <i>n</i> = 14) and Improved Valachian (IV, <i>n</i> = 15), their crosses with Lacaune 50% TS × 50% LC (<i>n</i> = 13), 50% IV × 50% LC (<i>n</i> = 9) and purebred Lacaune (LC, <i>n</i> = 19). The measurements of the milk flow were performed on day 90 ± 10 of lactation during evening machine milking. The recording of milk flow was carried out by the equipment for graduated electronic recording of milk level in a jar in one-second intervals. 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)). The last two types refer to ewes with steady milk flow during milking. Udder morphology traits were measured (cisternal depth, teat angle) and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores (cistern depth, teat position). The average total milk yield was 0.335 ± 0.043, 0.392 ± 0.042, 0.407 ± 0.042 l in purebred TS, IV, LC resp. and 0.397 ± 0.046, 0.434 ± 0.056 l in crosses TS × LC and IV × LC, resp. The frequency of occurrence of different types of milk flow /1P:2P:PLI:PLII/ was 27, 47, 22, 4%, resp. The highest milk yield was observed in ewes with PLI (0.481 ± 0.045 l), followed by 2P (0.401 ± 0.029 l) and 1P (0.293 ± 0.036 l) type of milk flow curve (<i>P</i> = 0.0112). An opposite effect was observed in the percentage of machine stripping yield where 1P had 41.94 ± 3.83%, 2P 21.29 ± 3.04% and PLI 15.90 ± 4.70% (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). LC and TS × LC, IV × LC had the more horizontal teat position than TS and IV. It can be supposed that at least during around 69% milkings the sheep released oxytocin in response to machine milking and that TS, IV and their crosses with LC also have a suitable potential for machine milking.

scholarly journals Influence of Breed and Parity on Teat and Milking Characteristics in Dairy Cattle

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176
Author(s):  
Murat Genc ◽  
Omer Coban ◽  
Ugur Ozenturk ◽  
Omer Eltas
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Brown Swiss ◽  
Cattle Breeds ◽  
Milk Flow

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine some morphological traits of the udder teat and their influence on the milk flow rate in three dairy cattle breeds (Brown Swiss, Holstein and Simmental). The average milking time and milk yield was 8.79±0.16 minutes and 9.40±0.28 kg, respectively. There was a finding that the breed of the dairy cows had no effect on the total milking time, with the Holstein cows having the highest milk yield (P<0.01). The average milk flow rate was 1.09±0.04 kg/minute and the Holstein cows had the highest milk flow rate (P<0.05). The cow parity didn’t affect the milk flow rate and the milk yield. The average teat length, average teat diameter and average teat volume varied among the cattle breeds and were highest in the Brown Swiss, and lowest in the Simmental cows. In conclusion, the milk flow rate varies among cattle breeds, and it was observed that dairy cows with high milk yields have higher milk flow rates.

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.

Oxytocin and cortisol release during suckling, hand-milking and machine milking in camels

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marwa Brahmi ◽  
Moufida Atigui ◽  
Ihmen Hammadi ◽  
Jacques Portanguen ◽  
Mohamed Hammadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
Physiological Consequence ◽  
Peak Release ◽  
Cortisol Release ◽  
Concentration Patterns

Abstract This research paper addresses the hypothesis that oxytocin (OT) could be released during suckling and during milking with and without the presence of a calf and that this release could be regulated by maternal behaviour. Plasma concentration patterns of OT and cortisol (CORT) were measured in six Tunisian dromedary camels during 2 suckling episodes, 2 manual milking episodes with calves beside the mother and 2 machine milking episodes without calves present. Various patterns of OT release were observed between each camel including specific two peak release patterns. Higher plasma OT concentrations were found during the suckling and hand-milking episodes with simultaneous suckling of calves, than during the machine milking episodes without calves. Exclusive mechanical milking episodes also evoked significant mean OT release, although greatly reduced compared to suckling and hand milking. The low basal levels and classical CORT release patterns suggested non-stressful management practices were used and there were very limited differences in udder stimulation between managements. The OT release induced by exclusive suckling and suckling together with hand-milking gives a reference point for what a good milk ejection stimulation is in camels. The important and specific reduction of OT release during machine milking without the calf present could be a physiological consequence of the maternal behaviour (selectivity for the own young) and to a lesser extent explained by a lower stimulation by machine milking.

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