The effect of incomplete milking or of an extended milking interval on the yield and composition of cow's milk

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of incomplete milking or of an extended milking interval on the yield and composition of cow's milk has been investigated. At the 1st milking after either treatment, the yield of milk was augmented by a carry-over of milk but at the 2nd milking the yield was invariably depressed and then increased until the original yield, or slightly less, was recovered within 5 days. The concentration of lactose and potassium decreased and of sodium, chloride, whey proteins and casein increased during the period of the treatment, and on the resumption of normal milking the original composition was rapidly recovered. The changes in the composition of fat were less clearly defined because of residual milk effects but over the period of the treatment and the succeeding 6 milkings the effect was invariably to increase fat percentage. The differing effects on composition resulted in a more marked effect on the yields of lactose, potassium and casein than on those of sodium, chloride or the whey proteins throughout the treatment and recovery periods. When milk was removed in portions after an extended milking interval there were decreases in the concentrations of lactose and potassium and increases in those of sodium and chloride throughout normal milking. When the residual milk was obtained after an injection of oxytocin the composition of the portions of milk resembled that of the first portions of milk removed from the udder. The possible effects of the treatments on the secretory cells and the permeability of the udder tissue are discussed.