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The Mammary Glands01:12

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Dam-calf contact (DCC) systems reduce machine milk yield due to altered milk ejection reflexes in nursing cows. Research is needed to understand cow-calf bonds and improve milkability in these dairy systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Dairy Husbandry
  • Reproductive Physiology

Background:

  • Dam-calf contact (DCC) and cow-calf contact (CCC) systems are gaining traction in the dairy industry.
  • Machine milking presents unique challenges in these systems due to the nursing dam-calf relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current scientific knowledge on machine milking challenges in nursing dairy dams under DCC systems.
  • To identify factors affecting machine milk yield (MMY) and milk composition in DCC systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on DCC, CCC, and machine milking in nursing dairy cows.
  • Analysis of factors influencing milk let-down, oxytocin release, and udder emptying in relation to suckling and machine milking.

Main Results:

  • Machine milk yield (MMY) and milk fat content are reduced in nursing dams compared to non-nursing controls.
  • Reduced MMY is linked to incomplete udder emptying and potential disturbance of the milk ejection reflex, possibly due to the cow-calf bond.
  • Udder health is generally unaffected or improved, while protein and lactose levels show variable changes.

Conclusions:

  • The cow-calf bond and calf-suckling stimulus can interfere with oxytocin release during machine milking, impacting milk let-down.
  • Improving milkability in DCC systems requires a better understanding of individual cow milk ejection dynamics and potentially breeding for enhanced machine milk let-down.
  • On-farm methods for quantifying incomplete udder emptying, such as strip milk fat analysis, need refinement.