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Endocrine responses in cows milked by hand and machine
R C Gorewit1, K Svennersten, W R Butler
1Department of Animal Science, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Science, Cornell University, Ithaca.
Journal of Dairy Science
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Hand-milking cows stimulates greater release of oxytocin and prolactin compared to machine milking. Cortisol levels were also higher during hand-milking, indicating a more pronounced physiological response in dairy cows.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Milking practices can influence hormonal responses in dairy cows.
- Understanding these responses is crucial for animal welfare and milk production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma hormone concentrations (oxytocin, prolactin, cortisol) between hand-milking and machine-milking in Swedish Red and White cows.
- To investigate the physiological effects of different milking methods.
Main Methods:
- Five Swedish Red and White cows were subjected to alternating hand-milking and machine-milking treatments over six days.
- Blood samples were collected before, during, and after milking for hormone analysis.
Main Results:
- Hand-milking led to significantly higher plasma concentrations of oxytocin and prolactin compared to machine-milking.
- Prolactin levels were higher in the evening than morning hand-milking sessions.
- Cortisol concentrations were elevated during hand-milking, particularly in the morning.
Conclusions:
- Hand-milking elicits a more pronounced and sustained release of oxytocin and prolactin in dairy cows.
- The stress hormone cortisol also shows increased levels with hand-milking, suggesting a different physiological impact.