Effects of 2 gradual debonding strategies on machine milk yield, flow, and composition in a cow-driven cow-calf contact system

Abstract

This controlled study compared the effects of 2 different gradual debonding strategies on machine milk yield, flow, and composition in a cow-driven cow-calf contact (CCC) system with automatic milking. Cows had 24 h/d access to their calves during the first weeks of lactation. In the long debonding (LDB) treatment (n = 16), a gradual reduction of cows' access to their calves was initiated 4 wk after calving over a total period of 28 d; first to 12 h/d (14 d), and then to 6 h/d (14 d). In the short debonding (SDB) treatment (n = 14), gradual reduction was initiated 6.5 wk after calving over a total period of 10 d; first to 12 h/d (5 d), and then to 6 h/d (5 d). From 6 h/d, access was finally reduced to 0 h/d for 7 d for both treatments. Machine milk yield, somatic cell count, and peak and average milk flow were automatically registered at milking. During the 9-wk study period, composite samples were analyzed for milk composition. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models. Results showed that machine milk yield during 24 h/d access varied between cows (range 1.2-49.9 kg/d, average ± standard deviation 13.2 ± 7.82 kg/d). The LDB cows had a higher daily machine milk yield than SDB cows at the end of and after access reduction was completed (+5.0 ± 1.63 and +5.1 ± 1.55 kg during the last 5 d of 6 h/d access, and 0 h/d access, respectively). Somatic cell count was on a healthy level, with no difference between treatments. Milk fat content increased with reduction in access, regardless of treatment. Short debonding cows tended to show higher milk protein content and lower milk lactose content than cows with a longer debonding. This study has shown that a longer debonding initiated earlier may give a higher milk yield in the short term. The variation in machine milk yield may indicate differences in milk ejection, suckling, and visiting patterns and preferences among cows.