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Relationships between Selected Physiological Factors and Milking Parameters for Cows Using a Milking Robot
Marian Kuczaj1, Anna Mucha2, Alicja Kowalczyk3
1Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. J. Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|November 11, 2020
Summary
Cow lactation stage and udder anatomy significantly impact milk yield and milking efficiency. Hind quarters yield more milk but at a slower rate than front quarters, influencing daily milking frequency and mastitis risk.
Area of Science:
- Dairy Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing milk production is crucial for dairy farm efficiency.
- Cow lactation stage, calving season, and udder conformation can affect milking parameters.
- Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) offer opportunities to study these variations in detail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of lactation number, stage, calving season, and time of day on milk yield and milking characteristics.
- To analyze the relationship between milk yield, milking time, speed, and frequency per quarter.
- To explore correlations between milk yield, its components, and milking parameters.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 65 Polish Holstein Friesian cows managed under free-range conditions.
- Milk was collected using the Lely-Astronaut A4 Automatic Milking System (AMS).
- Data analyzed included milk yield, milking duration, speed, and frequency across different lactations and quarters.
Main Results:
- Hind quarters produced significantly more milk (p < 0.05) but had a slower milking speed compared to front quarters.
- Daily milk yield was higher in rear quarters (RR, LR) than front quarters (RF, LF).
- Positive correlations were observed between milk yield and its components, while negative correlations existed between milk yield and component content.
Conclusions:
- Physiological variations in udder and teat structure, along with lactation stage, significantly influence milk composition and flow.
- AMS technology allows for precise measurement of quarter-specific milking parameters.
- Optimizing milking parameters in AMS can enhance efficiency and potentially reduce mastitis risk.
