Milk Flow Rate Research Articles

The differentiated milk recording when milking into the milk line

The article is devoted to theoretical and experimental substantiation of technical capability of the differentiated recording of milk when milking into the milk line. The pilot studies were carried out in 2017 … 2018 in the cowshed for 200 heads of one of the enterprises of the Kirov region. Milking duration depending on intensity of milk secretion was divided into three stages: initial, main and final. The theoretical analysis of the process of milk secretion from an udder nipple of a cow was made. Analytical expressions for definition of the current flow rate of milk were received during milking. The vacuum mode in under-mamillary chambers of the duple milking machine and integrated schedules of milk yield were studied and analyzed during the whole process of milking into the milk line. The weak interrelation between the current milk yield and corresponding vacuum in the under-mamillary chamber of a teat cup was revealed during milking (R 2 = 0.06…0.15). Very close interrelation (R 2 = 0.95) between milk yield and duration of milk secretion confirmed a possibility of differentiated recording of milk yield by measurement of the real time of milk outflow during each working cycle. Mathematical models of an algorithm of functioning of devices of the differentiated recording of milk have been developed during milking. Differentiated milk recording during milking can be technically carried out by addition into the device of udder on-quarters milking monitoring of milk secretion intensity the blocks of measurement of time of the real milk flow during each working cycle, calculation and indication of milk yield. Use of milking machines with function of differentiated recording of the milk yield will allow to increase the duration of productive use of animals, quantity and quality of the milk yield.

Influence of Inlet Drying Air Temperature and Milk Flow Rate on the Physical, Optical and Thermal Properties of Spray-Dried Camel Milk Powders

The influence of milk flow rate and inlet drying air temperature on the physical, optical and thermal properties of laboratory spray-dried camel milk powders is investigated. The physical, thermal and optical properties of laboratory spray-dried camel milk powders at three inlet drying air temperatures (110, 120 and 130 °C) and two milk flow rates (166 and 248 cm3/h) were evaluated. These properties are fundamental to understanding the quality, stability, final application and portability of the milk powders. Following this, the results were compared to commercial milk powder (CMM). Specifically, we evaluated the influence of the inlet drying air temperatures and feed rates on the reconstitution properties, particle properties, bulk, colour and thermal properties. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the findings indicated that the inlet drying air temperatures significantly influenced moisture content, and the L* a* b* colour properties (p < 0.0001) of the powders. However, the bulk and reconstitution properties were significantly influenced by the milk flow rate (p < 0.0001). The thermograms of all the milk powders had three endothermic peaks and two shifts. The onset of the glass transition increased in temperature with decreasing moisture content of the powders varying from 37.49 to 44.21 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the laboratory spray dried powders were hollow and collapsed compared with the commercial samples which were spherical and rough with small cracks, dents and pores. The results demonstrated that both the inlet drying air temperature and the milk flow rate influenced the thermal, optical and physical properties of laboratory spray-dried powders.

Detection of Milk Ejection Using Bioimpedance Spectroscopy in Lactating Women during Milk Expression Using an Electric Breast Pump.

Milk ejection is essential for effective milk removal during breastfeeding and pumping, and for continued milk synthesis. Many women are unable to accurately sense milk ejection to determine whether their infant is receiving milk or, when pumping, to switch the pump to a more effective expression pattern. To determine if changes in bioimpedance parameters are associated with milk ejection in the lactating breast during pumping. 30 lactating women participated in 2 pumping sessions within 2weeks of each other. During pumping the breasts were monitored with bioimpedance spectroscopy (on either the pumped or the non- pumped breast), and milk flow rate and volume were measured simultaneously. All mothers completed 24-h milk productions. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine associations between milk flow rate and bioimpedance changes. Changes in bioimpedance parameters were greater at the first milk ejection when measured on the pumped breast (median (IQR): R zero: -7 (-17, -4,) % (n = 30); R infinity: -8 (-20, -2) % (n = 29); membrane capacitance: -24 (-59, -7) % (n = 27). Changes in bioimpedance detected in the non-pumped breast were lower at the first milk ejection, R zero: -3 (-8, -2) % (n = 25); R infinity: -5 (-8, -2) % (n = 23); membrane capacitance: -9 (-17, 15) % (n = 24). Smaller less consistent decreases in the bioimpedance characteristics were detected at the second milk ejection in both breasts. Bioimpedance parameters showed a consistent decrease associated with the first milk ejection when electrodes were placed on the pumped breast. Smaller decreases were observed when the non-pumped breast was monitored for the first and second milk ejection. There was wide variation in the magnitude of changes observed, and hence further development of the methodology is needed to ensure reliability.

Investigation and performance analysis of solar milk pasteurisation system

ABSTRACT The main aim of this research work is to test and evaluate the performance of solar milk pasteurisation system. To evaluate the performance of solar milk pasteurisation system, a solar hot water system, concentric tube type heat exchanger, the cooling tank has used. To test the solar milk pasteurisation system, three different mass flow rate of hot water like 2, 3 and 5 l/min and cold milk 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 l/min have been used. After the pasteurisation, the obtained milk from the concentric tube type heat exchanger has been tested in the laboratory and achieved satisfactory results. From the series of experiments, it has been found that the hot water flow rate of 5 l/m and milk flow rate of 0.5 l/min found the optimum for the pasteurisation system.

A longitudinal prospective cohort study investigating the association of premilking stimulation and teat-end shape on milking characteristics and teat tissue condition in dairy cows

BackgroundPremilking udder preparation is essential for harvesting high-quality milk as gently, completely, and quickly as possible. The associations between characteristics such as teat-end shape and premilking stimulation on milking characteristics and machine milking-induced changes to the teat tissue condition have not been rigorously investigated. The primary objective was to investigate the interactive effects of manual premilking stimulation (i.e., preparation lag time) and teat-end shape on total milk yield, two-minute milk yield, milking unit-on time, and time in low milk flow rate. Our secondary objective was to study the association of manual premilking stimulation and changes to the teat tissue condition after machine milking (i.e., short-term changes). In a longitudinal prospective cohort study, 384 milking observations from 129 cows were analysed. Holstein cows were housed in sand-bedded free-stall pens, fed a total mixed ration, and milked 3 times a day. Cows were classified by teat-end shape into 1 of 3 categories: pointed, flat, or round. Individual cow milking characteristics were recorded with electronic on-farm milk meters. The duration of manual stimulation, preparation lag time, and presence of short-term changes were documented for each milking observation. General linear mixed models were used to study the interactive effects of preparation lag time and teat-end shape on milking characteristics.ResultsThere was an interaction between preparation lag time and teat-end shape for two-minute milk yield and time in low milk flow rate. The preparation lag time effect was modified by teat-end shape, while no interaction was observed for total milk yield or milking unit-on time. A generalized linear mixed model revealed that preparation lag time was associated with short-term changes in teat tissue condition, where the odds of short-term changes decreased as preparation lag time increased.ConclusionsIn summary, cows with different teat-end shapes may require different premilking stimulation regimens. Increasing preparation lag time benefits teat tissue condition during machine milking. Further research is warranted to optimize individual premilking stimulation in dairy cows.

Know the Flow: Milk Flow Rates From Bottle Nipples Used in the Hospital and After Discharge.

Milk flow rate may play an important role in an infant's ability to safely and efficiently coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeding. To test milk flow rates from bottle nipples used in the hospital and after discharge. Bottle nipples used in hospitals (10 unique types) and available nationwide at major retailers (15 unique types) were identified. For each of the 25 nipple types, 15 nipples of that type were tested by measuring the amount of infant formula extracted in 1 minute by a breast pump. Mean milk flow rate (mL/min) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for each nipple type. Comparisons between nipple types were made within brand and within category (eg, Slow, Standard). A cluster analysis was conducted to identify nipples of comparable flow. A total of 375 individual nipples were tested. Milk flow rates varied widely, from 0.86 to 37.61 mL/min. There was also a wide range of CVs, from 0.03 to 0.35. Packing information did not accurately reflect the flow rates of bottle nipples. The cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters of nipples, with flow rates from Extra Slow to Very Fast. These data can be used to guide decisions regarding nipples to use for feeding infants with medical complexity in the hospital and after discharge. Research on infant feeding should consider the flow rate and variability of nipples used, as these factors may impact findings.

Energetic and Exergetic Performances of Plate Heat Exchanger Using Brine-Based Hybrid Nanofluid for Milk Chilling Application

Theoretical study on the energetic and exergetic performances of a counter-flow corrugated plate heat exchanger using hybrid nanofluids for the milk chilling application has been done in the present investigation. Magnesia-silver and Alumina-silver nanoparticles have been dispersed in the ethylene glycol–water mixture and propylene glycol–water mixture (20:80 brine solutions) with different particle volume concentration separately. Effect of particle volume concentration and flow rate of the hybrid nanofluid on the heat transfer rate, convective, and overall heat transfer coefficients, mass flow rate of milk, pressure drop, pumping power, entropy generation rate, second law efficiency, irreversibility, irreversibility distribution ratio, non-dimensional exergy (NDE) destruction, and performance index have been studied. It has been observed that heat transfer rate, convective and overall heat transfer coefficients, pressure drop, pumping power, irreversibility, entropy generation rate, second law efficiency, and milk flow rate increase; while NDE destruction, performance index, and irreversibility distribution ratio decrease with the hybrid nanofluid flow rate and the volume concentration of the nanofluid. Within studied ranges, the hybrid nanofluid yields the maximum improvement of heat transfer rate and convective heat transfer coefficient of about 1.6% and 9.4%, respectively, compared to base fluid. It has also been found that silver + alumina shows slightly better performance improvement and hence hybrid nanofluid is recommended as a suitable alternative for the milk chilling units.

Response profiles of dairy cows to a single 24-h milking interval in relation with milk proteolysis, udder expansion and immune traits

An extended milking interval of 24 h (24-h milking interval (24h-MI)) constitutes the acute phase of cow adaptation to once-daily milking (ODM). A recent trial including 724 24h-MI challenges demonstrated that milk yield responses to this acute phase of ODM are highly variable (from+22% to −52% of milk yield when switching to the 24h-MI, mean=−25.3%) and that factors such as stage of lactation parity and milk yield level influenced cows’ responses but did not account for all individual variability. Additional traits related to physiological, immune and behavioural adaptation were measured on a subset (96 observations) of this data set. This study aimed to determine (1) the relationship of these traits with cows’ milk yield responses, (2) their ability – combined with previously identified traits – to help predict milk yield responses to 24h-MI (adaptive profiles). The 24h-MI challenge consisted of three successive periods: one control week of twice-daily milking (cTDM), one single day of 24h-MI and then 13 days of TDM (pTDM). Milk yield responses to the 24h-MI (corrected for effects of stage of lactation, parity, milk yield level and milk yield) were related to physiological traits measured during cTDM (milk flow rate, presence or absence of interleukin-8) and to their changes during the 24h-MI (absolute increase in milk flow rate and relative udder distension). Analysis of associations between milk yield responses, stage of lactation, parity, milk yield level, proteolysis, udder expansion and immune traits found three adaptive cow profile clusters. Cows in cluster 1 had a less compliant udder than cows in cluster 2, and they lost more milk during the 24h-MI than cluster-2 and cluster-3 cows. After resuming twice daily-milking (TDM), cluster-2 cows fully recovered the milk they had lost during the 24h-MI. On the opposite, cluster-3 cows did not recover the milk they lost, likely due to udder inflammation during cTDM, as suggested by elevated concentrations of interleukin-8 in their milk. These results combining new traits with stage of lactation, parity and milk yield level constitute a first step towards predicting individual cow responses to a 24h-MI.

Increased take-off level in automatic milking systems - effects on milk flow, milk yield and milking efficiency at the quarter level.

This research communication describes how different detachment levels (0.48, 0.3 and 0.06 kg milk/min) at the quarter-level affect milk flow profiles and overall milking efficiency in automatic milking systems. We hypothesized a higher detachment level would result in greater mean flow rates without affecting the volume of harvested milk per cow during 24 h compared to lower detachment levels. The data suggest milk flow decreased to a rate below the overmilking limit within the 6-s delay time required for termination in all treatments, but the duration of overmilking was shorter for the greatest detachment level compared to the other treatments. We conclude that setting a detachment level at a greater milk flow rate reduces the duration of overmilking without affecting the amount of milk harvested when applied to cows in mid-lactation during quarter-level milking. We also suggest that the steepness of the decline phase of the milk flow curve might have a larger effect than the actual detachment level on the duration of overmilking.

Changes in R0/R∞ ratio and membrane capacitance are associated with milk removal from the breast.

Perceived low milk supply is a common reason for introducing supplementary feeds, which in turn serves to further diminish the milk supply. Current methods of measuring milk production and milk transfer from the breast to the infant are inaccessible to the mothers. There is a need for an inexpensive, portable device to enable mothers to measure milk transfer to either confirm their milk production is adequate or identify breastfeeding issues early. The aim of this study was to examine changes in bioimpedance spectroscopy associated with milk removal from the human lactating breast using an electric breast pump. Thirty lactating women participated in 2 research sessions performed in random order over 2 weeks. Milk flow rate and volume were measured during pumping. All mothers completed 24-hour milk profiles. Breasts were monitored using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models to investigate the relationship between both proportional change in membrane capacitance (Cm) and R0/R∞ with milk removal. There was an inverse relationship between R0/R∞ and milk removed (p<0.001). A positive relationship was also observed between Cm and both volume of milk removed (P<0.001) and percentage of available milk removed (p<0.001). This study has shown that changes in bioimpedance are related to the volume of milk removed from the breast during pumping. This modality may hold promise for the measurement of the effectiveness of the breastfeeding infant in removing milk from the breast.

Short communication: Teat-end shape and udder-level milking characteristics and their associations with machine milking-induced changes in teat tissue condition

Machine milking-induced changes in teat tissue condition, such as congestion and edema, have been associated with teat canal openness, penetrability, and thus susceptibility to new intramammary infections and diminished animal well-being. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association of teat-end shape and machine milking-induced short-term changes in teat tissue condition. Our secondary objective was to study the association of udder-level milking characteristics and short-term changes. Data from 125 Holstein cows were analyzed in a longitudinal prospective cohort study. Cows were housed in freestall pens with sand bedding, fed a total mixed ration, and milked 3 times per day. Teat-end shape was classified into 3 categories: pointed, flat, and round. Udder-level milking characteristics were obtained from electronic on-farm milk meters. Short-term changes in teat tissue condition after machine milking were assessed visually. Multivariable generalized mixed model analysis showed an association between teat-end shape and short-term changes. Compared with teats with round teat-end shape, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for short-term changes was 1.68 (0.53-5.31) and 0.03 (0.004-0.19) in teats with pointed and flat teat-end shape, respectively. There was an association between milking characteristics and short-term changes such that higher milk flow rate during the first 15 s of milking decreased the likelihood of short-term changes. The adjusted probability of short-term changes for a milking observation of a mid-lactation cow and an average first 15-s milk flow rate of 0.5 and 1.5 kg/min was 53.0% (42.8-63.8) and 32.9% (15.2-57.3), respectively. Our results suggest that teat-end shape may be one of the risk factors that contribute to machine milking-induced short-term changes. Milking characteristics (e.g., first 15-s milk flow rate) may have the potential as a measure to indirectly monitor teat tissue changes associated with machine milking on a daily basis, though further research is needed to validate this hypothesis and to establish thresholds that could serve as on-farm guidelines.

Influence of Breed and Parity on Teat and Milking Characteristics in Dairy Cattle

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine some morphological traits of the udder teat and their influence on the milk flow rate in three dairy cattle breeds (Brown Swiss, Holstein and Simmental). The average milking time and milk yield was 8.79±0.16 minutes and 9.40±0.28 kg, respectively. There was a finding that the breed of the dairy cows had no effect on the total milking time, with the Holstein cows having the highest milk yield (P&lt;0.01). The average milk flow rate was 1.09±0.04 kg/minute and the Holstein cows had the highest milk flow rate (P&lt;0.05). The cow parity didn’t affect the milk flow rate and the milk yield. The average teat length, average teat diameter and average teat volume varied among the cattle breeds and were highest in the Brown Swiss, and lowest in the Simmental cows. In conclusion, the milk flow rate varies among cattle breeds, and it was observed that dairy cows with high milk yields have higher milk flow rates.

Analysis of CO2 based refrigeration systems with and without ejector for simultaneous pasteurization and chilling of milk

In this study, a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system suitable for simultaneous pasteurization and chilling of milk in a dairy plant has been analysed. Performance comparison is made between CO2 systems with ejector (RCEP) and a conventional CO2 system without ejector (CRCP). Results are obtained for different arrangements of internal heat exchanger (IHX) in the flow line with a regenerative milk heat exchanger (HXD) for heat recovery. From the results, the optimum operating condition for maximum specific milk flow rate (m˙mw) is obtained. Results show that RCEP1, which uses an ejector and the internal heat exchanger in between the two gas coolers, offers around 13% better productivity compared to CRCP. Investigation on primary energy consumption of the transcritical CO2 system and systems employed in dairy plant conventionally for pasteurization show a substantial margin in energy savings for RCEP.

Development of a new clinical mastitis detection method for automatic milking systems

This study investigated the potential for accurate detection of clinical mastitis (CM) in an automatic milking system (AMS) using electronic data from the support software. Data from cows were used to develop the model, which was then tested on 2 independent data sets, 1 with 311 cows (same farm but from a different year) and 1 with 568 cows (from a different farm). In addition, the model was used to test how well it could predict CM 1 to 3 d before actual clinical diagnosis. Logistic mixed models were used for the analysis. Twelve measurements were included in the initial model before a backward elimination, which resulted in the following 6 measurements being included in the final model: quarter-level milk yield (MY; kg), electrical conductivity (EC; mS/cm), average milk flow rate (MF; kg/min), occurrence of incompletely milked quarters in each milking session (IM; yes or no), MY per hour (MYH; kg/h), and EC per hour (ECH; mS/cm/h) between successive milking sessions. The other 6 measurements tested but not included in the final model were peak milk flow rate (kg/min), kick-offs (yes or no) in each milking session, lactation number, days in milk (d), blood in milk (yes or no), and a calculated mastitis detection index used by DeLaval (DelPro software; DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden). All measurements were assessed to determine their ability to detect CM as both individual variables and combinations of the 12 above-mentioned variables. These were assessed by producing a receiver operating characteristic curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC) for each model. Overall, 9 measurements (i.e., EC, ECH, MY, MYH, MF, IM, peak flow rate, lactation number, and mastitis detection index) had significant mastitis detection ability as separate predictors. The best mastitis prediction was possible by incorporating 6 measurements (i.e., EC, ECH, MY, MYH, MF, and IM) as well as the random cow and quarter effects in the model, resulting in 90% sensitivity and 91% specificity with excellent AUC (0.96). Assessment of the model was found to produce robust results (AUC >0.9) in different data sets and could detect CM with reductions in sensitivity and specificity with increasing days before actual diagnosis. This study demonstrated that improved mastitis status prediction can be achieved by using multiple measurements, and new indexes based on that are expected to result in improved accuracy of mastitis alerts, thereby improving the detection ability and utility on farm.

Association of quarter milking measurements and cow-level factors in an automatic milking system

The primary aim of this observational study, in a single herd milked using multiple automatic milking system units, was to describe associations of quarter milk yield variability and quarter peak milk flow rate with cow-level factors. Information from the current lactation of 1,549 primiparous and multiparous cows was collected from January to December 2015. Data from each individual milking used in the analysis included quarter milk yield (QMY), udder milk yield, quarter peak milk flow rate (QPMF), quarter average milk flow rate (QAMF), quarter milking time, and milking interval. Milking interval and milk yield were used to calculate milk production rate (kg/h) at the quarter and udder levels. We investigated associations between QPMF and milking interval, QPMF and days in milk, and QMY and QAMF. A strong association between QPMF and both QAMF and milking interval was observed. A moderate association was found between QPMF and stage of lactation. However, QMY was not a useful indicator of QPMF because of the weak association observed between these variables. In this study, rear quarter QPMF was significantly increased by 3% compared with front quarter QPMF (1.45 vs 1.41 kg/min). Quarter milk yield was calculated as a percentage contribution of total udder milk yield per 10-d in milk window and ranked from lowest to highest contribution. Quarter contribution to udder milk yield showed a high level of variability, with 39% of animals having all 4 quarters change contribution rank at least once during part of or the whole lactation. Only 14% of cows were observed to have no change in quarter rank. When quarter contribution was assessed, irrespective of physical position of quarter within the udder, the percent of highest to lowest contribution across the lactation was relatively stable. The standard deviation of quarter milk production rate for each cow was regressed against the same cow's peak udder milk production rate, within a lactation, to ascertain whether quarter milk production rate variance could be used to predict peak udder milk production rate. Knowledge of the intra-udder quarter milk production rate standard deviation for an individual cow is not useful in predicting peak udder milk production rate. Quarter milking time appears to be a useful indicator to predict the optimal order of teatcup attachment. Analysis from this large, single-herd population indicates that QPMF is associated with the cow-level factors milking interval and days in milk, and that intra-udder QMY is highly variable.

Milk-flow data collected routinely in an automatic milking system: an alternative to milking-time testing in the management of teat-end condition?

BackgroundHaving a poor teat-end condition is associated with increased mastitis risk, hence avoiding milking machine settings that have a negative effect on teat-end condition is important for successful dairy production. Milking-time testing (MTT) can be used in the evaluation of vacuum conditions during milking, but the method is less suited for herds using automatic milking systems (AMS) and relationships with teat end condition is poorly described. This study aimed to increase knowledge on interpretation of MTT in AMS and to assess whether milk-flow data obtained routinely by an AMS can be useful for the management of teat-end health. A cross-sectional study, including 251 teats of 79 Norwegian Red cows milked by AMS was performed in the research herd of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The following MTT variables were obtained at teat level: Average vacuum level in the short milk tube during main milking (MTVAC), average vacuum in the mouthpiece chamber during main milking and overmilking, teat compression intensity (COMPR) and overmilking time. Average and peak milk flow rates were obtained at quarter level from the AMS software. Teat-end callosity thickness and roughness was registered, and teat dimensions; length, and width at apex and base, were measured. Interrelationships among variables obtained by MTT, quarter milk flow variables, and teat dimensions were described. Associations between these variables and teat-end callosity thickness and roughness, were investigated.ResultsPrincipal component analysis showed clusters of strongly related variables. There was a strong negative relationship between MTVAC and average milk flow rate. The variables MTVAC, COMPR and average and peak milk flow rate were associated with both thickness and roughness of the callosity ring.ConclusionsQuarter milk flow rate obtained directly from the AMS software was useful in assessing associations between milking machine function and teat-end condition; low average milk flow rates were associated with a higher likelihood of the teat having a thickened or roughened teat-end callosity ring. Since information on milk flow rate is readily available from the herd management system, this information might be used when evaluating causes for impaired teat-end condition in AMS.

Zinc delivery from non-woven fibres within a therapeutic nipple shield

A Therapeutic Nipple Shield (TNS) was previously developed to respond to the global need for new infant therapeutic delivery technologies. However, the release efficiency for the same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) from different therapeutic matrices within the TNS formulation has not yet been investigated. To address this, in-vitro release of elemental zinc into human milk from two types of Texel non-woven fibre mats of varying thickness and different gram per square meter values, placed inside the TNS was explored and compared to the release from zinc-containing rapidly disintegrating tablets. In-vitro delivery was performed by means of a breastfeeding simulation apparatus, with human milk flow rates and suction pressure adjusted to physiologically relevant values, and release was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). It was found that a total recovery of 62–64 % elemental zinc was obtained after the human milk had passed through the fibre insert, amounting to a 20–48% increase compared to previous zinc delivery studies using rapidly disintegrating tablets within the TNS. This indicates that non-woven Texel fibre mats were identified as the superior dosage form for oral zinc delivery into human milk using a TNS.

DEVELOP SOME INTEGRATED PARAMETERS TO ASSESS ANIMAL ON FARMS WELFARE USING MULTIPLE BEHAVIORAL CRITERIA.

The present study included tow experiments. The first One was at the animal behaviour research unit, faculty of agriculture, Minufiya University, to develop some integrated parameters to assess animal’s on-farm welfare using multiple criteria. The Second one was performed to evaluate the current level of welfare of Egyptian buffaloes under different production systems, using the specific method described in the Welfare Quality ® Assessment Protocol for Cattle. Assessment was performed on 163 animals in 15 Egyptian dairy buffalo farms which represent 3 production systems (Traditional farms (I), Faculty farm (II) and Commercial farm (III)). Results of the present study revealed that The suggested behaviour models for Egyptian Buffaloes for lying, eating and ruminating were 75.34, 30.90 and 27.04 min./time, Representing 47.04, 28.31 and % of the day and frequent 8.99, 13.19 and 16.48 times per day. Kicking, Stepping and Tail movement behaviour, during milking, model should be (0.14-0.09 kick/min., 0.68-1.35Step/min. and 4.35 -5.35 time / min. resp. at total milking period. Milk production was (3.09±0.13 kg) per milking with an average of 0.43±0.02 kg/min milk flow rate. Bacterial count in raw milk was 6.0 × 105 cfu/ml. Egyptian buffaloes have 4.45 ±0.65 [ng/ml] Serum cortisol. Very lean buffaloes represent 65 % and 47 % of animals in Farm I and farm II respectively. However there is no any very lean animal in farm III. Studied animals in farm 1 lied down within 11 sec. on the other hand time needed to lie down were 9 and 6 sec. in farm 2 and 3 respectively. All investigated disease had had lower values. This may be due to high immunity level of Egyptian buffaloes against cows.

A method for assessing teatcup liner performance during the peak milk flow period

The objective of this study was to develop a method to quantify the milking conditions under which circulatory impairment of teat tissues occurs during the peak flow period of milking. A secondary objective was to quantify the effect of the same milking conditions on milk flow rate during the peak flow rate period of milking. Additionally, the observed milk flow rate was a necessary input to the calculation of canal area, our quantitative measure of circulatory impairment. A central composite experimental design was used with 5 levels of each of 2 explanatory variables (system vacuum and pulsator ratio), creating 9 treatments including the center point. Ten liners, representing a wide range of liner compression (as indicated by overpressure), were assessed, with treatments applied using a novel quarter-milking device. Eight cows (32 cow-quarters) were used across 10 separate evening milkings, with quarter being the experimental unit. The 9 treatments, with the exception of a repeated center point, were randomly applied to all quarters within each individual milking. Analysis was confined to the peak milk flow period. Milk flow rate (MFR) and teat canal cross sectional area (CA) were normalized by dividing individual MFR, or CA, values by their within-quarter average value across all treatments. A multiple explanatory variable regression model was developed for normalized MFR and normalized CA. The methods presented in this paper provided sufficient precision to estimate the effects of vacuum (both at teat-end and in the liner mouthpiece), pulsation, and liner compression on CA, as an indicator of teat-end congestion, during the peak flow period of milking. Liner compression (as indicated by overpressure), teat-end vacuum, vacuum in the liner mouthpiece, milk-phase time, and their interactions are all important predictors of MFR and teat-end congestion during the peak milk flow period of milking. Increasing teat-end vacuum and milk-phase time increases MFR and reduces CA (indicative of increased teat-end congestion). Increasing vacuum in the liner mouthpiece also acts to reduce CA and MFR. Increasing liner compression reduces the effects of teat-end congestion, resulting in increased MFR and increased CA at high levels of teat-end vacuum and milk-phase time. These results provide a better understanding of the balance between milking speed and milking gentleness.

Lactose hydrolyzed milk powder: Thermodynamic characterization of the drying process

ABSTRACTIndustrial production of lactose hydrolyzed milk powder (LHMP) remains challenging. Due to the presence of the monosaccharides glucose and galactose, lactose-free powders tend to suffer stickiness, caking, and browning during drying and storage. We sought to find ideal conditions spray dryer inlet air temperature (θair,in) and concentrated milk flow rate (mCM) for LHMP production. We tested θair,in settings of 115–160°C and mCM of 0.3–1.5 kg · h−1, and also applied mass and energetic balances. LHMP generally exhibited higher mass and energetic losses than the control (milk powder containing lactose), as a consequence of the relatively low dryability of LHMP. For a lab scale spray dryer, the ideal conditions settings for LHMP production were θair,in = 145 ± 2°C and mCM = 1.0 kg · h−1, taking into account the mass yield and energetic cost (kJ · kg−1 of powder) of the process. These ideal conditions are a potential tool for the industrial development of lactose-free dairy powders.