Pre-partum udder massaging as a means for reduction of fear in primiparous cows at milking

Abstract

Influence of varying frequencies of pre-partum udder massaging (45, 30 or 15 massaging sessions on alternate days during last trimester of pregnancy) on temperament score, milk letdown time, milk flow rate and frequency of urination and defecation were observed in primiparous cows during first 76 days of lactation. Restlessness of animals while milking reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) in animals ( n = 18) exposed to pre-partum udder massaging compared to animals of control group ( n = 18). The median value of milk letdown time and milk flow rate varied from 23 to 31 s and 13 to 16 g/s, respectively in the massaged groups compared to 46–50 s and 8–9 g/s, respectively, in the control group, all the differences were significant ( P < 0.01). Both urination and defecation frequencies were significantly ( P < 0.05) high up to 16th day of lactation in the non-massaged group. It can be concluded that udder massaging for 30 sessions would reduce the level of fear in primiparous cows and also facilitate clean milk production.