Effect of Vacuum Level and Pulsation Parameters on Milking Efficiency and Animal Welfare of Murciano-Granadina Goats Milked in Mid-Line and Low-Line Milking Machines

The Murciano-Granadina goat breed has been described as a slow milking breed. As milking machine parameters can affect milk extraction in terms of yield and time employed, two experiments of one-month duration were performed with 88 goats in Latin square design to find the best combination of these parameters. One of them was carried out in a mid-line milking machine and one in a low-line milking machine. For each of them, two vacuum levels (36 and 40 kPa), two pulsation rates (90 and 120 cycles/min) and two pulsator ratios (50 and 60%) were used and milking efficiency, sanitary status of the mammary gland, milk cortisol, and teat end status were evaluated. Results showed that in milking machines installed in mid- and low-line, the use of 40 kPa system vacuum, 60% pulsator ratio and 90 or 120 cycles/min pulsation rate achieved optimum milking fractioning and efficiency. In the case of low-level milking machines, a similar combination with 36 kPa not only showed worse milking fractioning values, but also provided better values of teat end status and cortisol level.

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Udder characteristics and effects of pulsation rate on milking machine efficiency in donkeys

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029914000648 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 82 (1) ◽

pp. 121-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Angela Gabriella D‘Alessandro ◽

Michele Mariano ◽

Giovanni Martemucci

Keyword(s):

Mammary Gland ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Somatic Cell Count ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Machine Milking ◽

The Third ◽

Pulsation Rate ◽

Direct Measurements ◽

Internal Structures ◽

Milking Machine

Very little is known about the udder characteristics, partitioning of milk in the mammary gland and efficiency of machine milking in donkeys. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the udder and teats, milk yield in relation to pulsation rates (90, 120 and 150 cycles/min), milk partitioning in the mammary gland, composition of the spontaneously removed and residual milk fractions and milking efficiency. Forty-one healthy Martina Franca jennies in the third month of lactation and routinely milked twice daily were used in three studies. Udder characteristics were evaluated by direct measurements and ultrasonographic scanning. Residual milk was obtained by milking after an oxytocin administration (40 IU i.m.). The prevalent shapes were ‘bowl’ for udders and ‘conical’ for teats. After milking the udder characteristics decreased within a range from −11·6% (udder depth) to −25·7% (diameter of teat at the base). The internal structures of the udder resulted as several pockets of ducts empting directly into the teat. The pulsation rate of 120 cycles/min improved (P<0·05) the milk yield in comparison to the 90 and 150 cycles/min, reduced the residual milk fraction, thus improved (P<0·05) milking efficiency. Residual milk composition had higher (P<0·05) fat content and somatic cell count than the spontaneously removed milk fraction. The udders revealed several pockets of ducts empting into the teat instead of a single cisternal cavity and showed a certain compliance. The use of 120 cycles/min pulsation rate improved milking efficiency.

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Effect of milking machine factors on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infection: II. Vacuum level and overmilking

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029900022937 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 141-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

George R. Olney ◽

Robert K. Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Somatic Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

Somatic Cell Count ◽

Latin Square ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Intramammary Infections ◽

Intramammary Infection ◽

Milking Machine

SummaryThe effect of milking vacuum levels and overmilking on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infections was determined. In the first experiment, 4 levels of vacuum ranging from 35 to 70 kPa were compared in a Latin square design with 20 cows being milked at each of the 4 vacuum treatments for periods of 19 d. In the second experiment 40 cows were milked for 16 weeks at either 50 or 70 kPa with or without 5 min overmilking. Neither vacuum level nor overmilking affected somatic cell count and it is concluded that these factors do not cause stress or irritation that will lead to an increase in somatic cell count in the absence of mastitis infections.

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Effect of milking machine factors on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infection: I. Vacuum fluctuations

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029900022925 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 135-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

George R. Olney ◽

George W. Scott ◽

Robert K. Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Somatic Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

Somatic Cell Count ◽

Latin Square ◽

Vacuum Fluctuations ◽

Vacuum Fluctuation ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Intramammary Infections ◽

Intramammary Infection ◽

Milking Machine

SummaryThe effect of vacuum fluctuations during milking on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infections was determined. Four vacuum fluctuation treatments were compared using a Latin square design with 20 cows being milked at each of the 4 treatments for a continuous period of 12 d. The vacuum fluctuations were designed to simulate the depressions in vacuum that occur when applying teatcups during milking. In the most severe treatment the vacuum level fell from 50 to 14 kPa. The somatic cell count was not affected by vacuum fluctuation treatment and it is concluded that vacuum fluctuations will not cause an increase in the somatic cell count of milk in the absence of mastitis infections.

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Laboratory Tests to Optimize the Milking Machine Settings with Air Inlet Teat Cups for Sheep and Goats

Dairy ◽

10.3390/dairy3010003 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 29-46

Author(s):

Shehadeh Kaskous

Keyword(s):

Laboratory Tests ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Sheep And Goats ◽

Air Inlet ◽

High Line ◽

Pulsation Rate ◽

And Performance ◽

Milking Machine ◽

The Ideal

Milking machine design and performance are directly related to the milkability of sheep and goats, with the aim of milking quickly, completely and gently. This leads to an increase in the milk yield with improved quality, and the maintenance of healthy udders. The aim of this study was to carry out laboratory tests to determine the optimal level of vacuum, pulsation rate and pulsation ratio of new milking machines in high and low milk lines for sheep and goats. This study was conducted at the Department of Research and Development, Siliconform, Germany. For this purpose, different levels of vacuum (32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 kPa), milk jet (2, 2.5, 3 and 4 mm), milk line (high line and low line) and pulsation ratio (50:50 and 60:40) were used. First minute water flow (1st WF/kg) was used as an indicator for assessing the best combination in the milking machine. In addition, the cyclic vacuum fluctuation was measured in the inner chamber of the teat cup during the 1st WF/kg with the aid of a Vacuscope device. Statistical analysis was conducted using the mixed procedure in SAS. Our results show that the vacuum level, the milk jet and the pulsation ratio had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on the 1st WF/kg in the two milking machines for goats and sheep. In conclusion, the ideal conditions for milking goats with air inlet teat cups in the milking machine are a vacuum level of 36–38 kPa (low line) and 38–40 kPa (high line), a pulsation rate of 90 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 60:40, while the ideal conditions in the sheep milking machines are a vacuum level of 35–36 kPa (low line) and 36–38 kPa (high line), a pulsation rate of 120 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 60:40 or 50:50.

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Independent effects of dietary linoleic and linolenic fatty acids on the conjugated linoleic acid content of cows’ milk

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1357729800052334 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 74 (1) ◽

pp. 163-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 113

Author(s):

A.L. Lock ◽

P.C. Garnsworthy

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Mammary Gland ◽

Linoleic Acid ◽

Conjugated Linoleic Acid ◽

Linolenic Acid ◽

Milk Fat ◽

Latin Square ◽

Health Benefit ◽

Low Linolenic Acid ◽

Low Linolenic

AbstractIt may be desirable to increase the level of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk as a health benefit in human nutrition. The purpose of this work was to separate the effects of linoleic and linolenic acids on CLA production in dairy cows and to determine to what extent endogenous synthesis contributes to cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration in milk fat. Eight lactating cows and four non-lactating duodenal fistulated cows were used in a 4 ✕ 4 Latin-square design. All cows received a basal diet of grass silage that was supplemented with one of four concentrates, which were designed to differ in their linoleic and linolenic acid contents. The oil components of the concentrates were produced from mixtures of olive, linseed, rape, soya and sunflower oils to produce the four treatments: low linoleic/ low linolenic acid (LL), low linoleic/high linolenic acid (LH), high linoleic/low linolenic acid (HL) and high linoleic/ high linolenic acid (HH). Milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents were 0·8, 0·9, 0·9 and 1·1 g/100 g fatty acid methyl esters (P < 0·05) and yields were 5, 7, 7 and 8 g/day (P < 0·05) for the LL, LH, HL and HH treatments, respectively. The yields of trans-C18:1 fatty acids in milk were 19, 22, 21 and 23 g/day (P < 0·05), respectively. Taking the data for the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content and flow of duodenal fluid from the fistulated cows and representing this in terms of dietary intake by the lactating animals, the amounts of cis-9, trans-11 CLA produced in the rumen were calculated to be 0·8, 0·9, 1·2 and 1·1 g/day (P < 0·05) and for trans-C18:1 fatty acids 58, 58, 66 and 69 g/day (P < 0·05). Increasing linoleic and/or linolenic acids in the diet can increase the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content of cows’ milk. Only diets high in linoleic acid increased cis-9, trans-11 CLA production in the rumen. On all four diets, more than 80% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk was produced endogenously by Δ9-desaturase from trans-11 C18:1 in the mammary gland. Cows on the same diet have different milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentrations that may be partially explained by differences in Δ9-desaturase activity between cows. Increasing the activity of Δ9-desaturase in the mammary gland may offer greater potential for enhancing the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content of milk fat than increasing cis-9, trans-11 CLA production in the rumen.

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Comparison of the operation of milking machine control valves and a newly designed regulating device

Research in Agricultural Engineering ◽

10.17221/4960-rae ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 49 (No. 3) ◽

pp. 110-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. Fryč

Keyword(s):

Electric Power ◽

Statistical Evaluation ◽

Dynamic Properties ◽

Vacuum Pump ◽

Vacuum Stability ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Control Valves ◽

Machine Control ◽

Milking Machine

One of the basic demands for milking machines is to maintain a constant vacuum level if air consumption by milking machine is changed. The author designed a device with reducing valve for vacuum level regulation and a simultaneous vacuum pump control enabling electric power to be reduced. The paper deals with a comparison of the operation of standard control valves with the newly designed device used for vacuum regulation from the viewpoint of dynamic properties. When measuring vacuum stability by applying various regulation methods and a subsequent statistical evaluation of the results obtained it was proven that the function of the newly designed regulating device was comparable with the best reducing valves used so far.

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Effect of milking machine factors on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infection: III. Pulsator rate

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029900022949 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 149-152 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

George R. Olney ◽

George W. Scott

Keyword(s):

Somatic Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

Somatic Cell Count ◽

Latin Square ◽

Intramammary Infections ◽

Intramammary Infection ◽

Milking Machine

SummaryThe effect of pulsator rates on the somatic cell count of milk from cows free of intramammary infections was determined. Four pulsator rates ranging from 30 to 120 cycles/min were compared in a Latin square design with 20 cows being milked at each of the 4 pulsator rates for periods of 19 d. Somatic cell count was not affected by any of the pulsator rates and it is concluded that varying pulsator rates will not cause stress or irritation that will lead to an increase in somatic cell count in the absence of mastitis infections.

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Teat thickness changes may provide biological test for effective pulsation

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s002202990003168x ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 63 (2) ◽

pp. 179-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jörn Hamann ◽

Graeme A. Mein

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Test ◽

International Standards ◽

Biological Test ◽

Short Term ◽

Flow Rates ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Pulsation Rate ◽

Milk Flow ◽

Induced Changes ◽

Pulsation Cycle

SummaryPulsation rates of 40, 60 and 80 cycles/min were combined with pulsator ratios of 50, 60, 70 or 80% in two experiments with different liners. Machine-induced, short-term changes in teat thickness of 14 cows were compared with milk flow rate characteristics and machine strip yields to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsation in relation to liner type. Post-milking teat thickness increased progressively as the b phase of the pulsation cycle was lengthened, and as the d phase was shortened, at all pulsator rates and with either liner. Teat thickness values increased significantly (P < 0·05) when the d phase was <15%. For ratios of 50 and 60%, teat thickness decreased progressively as pulsation rate was increased. At the higher ratios, thickness values were lowest at 60 cycles/min. Pulsation settings that tended to increase teat thickness values also increased both peak milk flow rates and machine strip yields. The influence of liner type on teat thickness changes appeared to be at least as important as the influence of pulsator ratios and greater than the effect of pulsation rate. If so, then international standards for acceptable pulsation characteristics cannot be defined solely in terms of pulsator settings. A limit of ±5% for machine-induced changes in thickness of the teat apex would be an additional guideline for effectiveness of pulsation in relation to both liner type and vacuum level. This could provide a basis for a dynamic test applied to milking cows under field conditions.

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Vacuum level for opening the teat sphincter and the change in the teat end wall thickness in response to the machine milking of indigenous Greek goats

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/2714-cjas ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 53 (No. 3) ◽

pp. 112-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

B. Skapetas ◽

J. Katanos ◽

V. Laga ◽

Ε. Sinapis ◽

I. Hatziminaoglou

Keyword(s):

Wall Thickness ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Vacuum Level ◽

Machine Milking ◽

Stage Of Lactation ◽

Lactation Stage ◽

Before And After ◽

Milking Machine ◽

End Wall ◽

Teat Canal

The aim of this paper was to study some of the teat characteristics involved in the milking ability of indigenous Greek goats such as the vacuum level of the milking machine that is required for the opening of the teat canal sphincter and the changes in the teat end wall thickness induced by milking. Thirty-six dams (12 of the first, 12 of the second and 12 of the third and subsequent lactations) were used after weaning (60 ± 5 days). Dams were milked twice a day (8:00 and 18:00 h) for 12 weeks in a milking parlour 1 × 12 side by side of Casse type with 6 milking units and a low milk line and air pipeline. The main functional characteristics of milking machine were: vacuum level 44 kPa, pulsation rate 90 pulsations/min and pulsation ratio 50:50. Every 14 days, during morning and evening milking the vacuum level that was required for the opening of the teat sphincter (VOTS) was measured. The measurement of teat end wall thickness (TEWT) was performed before and after milking. The results of this study showed that during the experimental period the mean VOTS was 23.57 ± 0.36 kPa and decreased significantly as the stage of lactation progressed (P< 0.001). The post-milking TEWT was 3.55% higher in comparison with that before milking (P < 0.01). A continuous and significant decrease in teat thickness was observed during the lactation stage (P < 0.001), which suggests a reaction to intramammary pressure and milk quantity in the udder. The TEWT was affected significantly by the parity (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between VOTS and TEWT before and after milking (0.4 and 0.36, respectively). It could be said that a lower vacuum level is required for the opening of the teat sphincter of the udder in goats of the indigenous Greek breed. The thicker teat end wall and more resistant sphincter could be less favourable in the machine milking of goats.

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