A New Milking Technology: “Stimulactor” For Lactating Camels

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a new milking machine for camels that guarantees high milk yield and quality whilst maintaining udder health. After a great effort, the new milking machine “StimuLactor for Camels” has been developed by Siliconform Germany. All the requirements of camels were tested on 5 dromedary camels over a period of one year. Our development was based on two main aspects: first, on the technical basis of the milking machine (type of machine, with or without a claw piece, kind of pulsation, vacuum level, type of teat cup liner and pulsation rate and ratio) which have to be adapted to the requirements of a camel’s udder and teats. The second important aspect was the calf’s suckling behaviour. The first results with the new milking technology have clearly shown that the system milks as the calf sucks. It can be used without the presence of the calf during the course of milk removal. Furthermore, the results proved that milk ejection reflex was induced and the milk was let down during the milking process. In conclusion, the new milking technology “StimuLactor for Camels” was adapted to the physiological, morphological and anatomical requirements of lactating camels.