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Machine milking parameters for Murciano-Granadina breed goats
N Fernández1, J V Martí1, M Rodríguez1
1Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Spain.
Journal of Dairy Science
|October 21, 2019
Summary
Optimizing machine milking parameters for goats, specifically a vacuum level of 44 kPa, improves milking speed and performance without negatively impacting udder health or milk quality. This combination is suitable for Murciano-Granadina goats under specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dairy Ruminant Production
- Animal Husbandry
- Milking Technology
Background:
- Machine milking parameters in dairy ruminants require optimization for efficiency and udder health.
- Current goat milking protocols often lack established limits for optimal performance.
- Udder condition and milkability are critical factors in dairy goat management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal machine milking parameters for improved performance in dairy goats.
- To identify a combination of vacuum level, pulsator rate, and pulsator ratio that enhances milking efficiency without compromising udder status.
- To investigate the effects of different vacuum levels on milk production, composition, and udder health indicators.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated two machine milking parameter combinations (42 kPa vs. 44 kPa vacuum, 120 cpm, 60% ratio) in Murciano-Granadina goats over a 6-month lactation period.
- Measured milk yield, composition, milk fractioning, somatic cell count (SCC), teat tissue thickness, and milk emission kinetics.
- Assessed vacuum levels at the teat sphincter and analyzed variations in udder health indicators.
Main Results:
- Increasing vacuum from 42 kPa to 44 kPa (at teat sphincter: 37.5 kPa to 39.3 kPa) significantly increased milk flow and reduced milking time by 25 seconds.
- No adverse effects on milk fractioning or somatic cell count (SCC) were observed with the higher vacuum level.
- A slight increase in teat tissue thickness (>5%) and a tendency for increased milk conductivity were noted at 44 kPa, but without negative udder health implications.
Conclusions:
- The combination of 44 kPa vacuum, 120 cycles per minute (cpm), and 60% pulsator ratio appears to be a suitable limit for improving machine milking performance in Murciano-Granadina goats.
- This parameter set enhances milking efficiency without negatively impacting milkability or udder conditions under the studied conditions (1 milking/day).
- Further research is recommended to validate these findings for goats milked twice daily.
