Determining the force parameters of the working process to clean the udder nipples of cows

Abstract

The object of this study is the force parameters of the working process when cleaning the udder nipples of cows from contamination. Failure to provide adequate care for a cow, especially concerning its udder, could lead to significant health and productivity problems. On the other hand, utilizing modern tools, devices, and materials could improve the sanitary and hygienic conditions for milking cows and udder care, thus leading to better overall outcomes. As part of the research, mathematical expressions were derived theoretically, allowing the determination of the force parameters of the working process for cleaning cows’ udders from contamination by expanding the range of the device’s functional characteristics. Distinctive features of the results regarding the solution to this problem is evaluation of the elasticity force exerted by the lint bundles on the nipple during the rotation of the brush device’s drum and the circular force generated by the brush lint. The developed algorithm of the work process aimed at cleaning the nipples and udders of cows made it possible to combine a set of clearly defined and sequentially performed operations into a single whole. It has been demonstrated that the efforts required to retain different types of contamination on the skin vary significantly. To objectively determine it, a new device has been designed. Its distinctive features are the precision of measurement and simplicity of operation. Following laboratory testing, it was established that the highest contaminant retention forces were exhibited by solid manure (Fret=40±3.21 N), while the lowest values were observed for sawdust (Fret=19±2.17 N) (p ≤ 0.001). The developments are relevant and could be used at cattle breeding farms of various forms of ownership, the scientific community, and at industrial enterprises manufacturing technological equipment.