Milk ejection disorders in Swiss dairy cows: a field study.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Dairy Production

Background:

• Poor milkability is a significant concern in dairy farming, impacting herd health and productivity.
• Oxytocin (OT) plays a crucial role in milk ejection, and its dysfunction can lead to milkability issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and causes of poor milkability in Swiss dairy cows.
• To differentiate between milk ejection disorders and anatomical or environmental factors contributing to impaired milk letdown.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey of 2099 dairy farms to assess milkability prevalence.
• Interviews with 270 farms reporting poor milkability to classify disorders.
• An experimental field study involving milk flow recording and oxytocin administration in 48 animals to confirm milk ejection disorders.

Main Results:

• Poor milkability was reported in 4% of Swiss dairy cows, with 2% treated with oxytocin.
• Milk ejection disorder was confirmed in 69% of investigated cases, characterized by >20% residual milk.
• Anatomical disorders of the teat and/or udder were suspected in 27% of cases where milk ejection disorder was not confirmed.
• No significant increase in fecal cortisol metabolites was observed in cows with milk ejection disorders.

Conclusions:

• Milk ejection disorder is the primary cause of poor milkability in Swiss dairy cows.
• A significant proportion of poor milkability cases are attributable to anatomical or environmental factors.
• Further investigation into the specific causes of anatomical and environmental milkability issues is warranted.