Teat Cups Research Articles

Geometry of milk liners affects milking performance in dairy cows.

The geometry of milk liners may affect milking performance and cow comfort as the milk liner is the only part of the milking machine that comes into contact with the teat. To determine the effect of alternative shape of milk liners we compared square (SQR) vs. the conventional round (RND) teat cup liner on milking performance and comfort of dairy cows. Treatment milk liners were randomly allocated to clusters within each side of the 12 a side double up-herringbone dairy shed in a complete randomised block design over two periods. Milking performance data from a total of 10 065 (late stage of lactation and once-a-day milking frequency, LATE) and 18 048 (early stage of lactation and twice-a-day milking frequency, EARLY) milking events were automatically recorded by a DeLaval milk meter, and separately analysed for LATE and EARLY, respectively. In EARLY, cow comfort behaviour was also recorded during afternoon milking sessions. Across the two study periods, average milk flow rate, milk flow rate during 0-15, 15-30 and 30-60 s after cluster attachment, and milk flow rate at cluster take-off were higher in SQR compared to RND treatment. Proportion of time in a milking session with low milk flow rate and duration of milking session were less in SQR compared to RND treatment. However, effect of geometry of milk liner on peak milk flow rate was inconsistent across the two-study periods. Peak milk flow rate was higher (P < 0.001) in SQR than RND in LATE, but higher (P < 0.001) in RND than SQR in EARLY. Stomping and kicking behaviours of cows were similar between treatments. Results of this study suggest that square milk liners potentially improve milking performance, without adverse effect on cow comfort compared to conventional round liners. Long-term, multi-site studies are required to confirm potential teat-end health benefits associated with square milk liners and further verify these results.

Impact of dairy cow personality traits and concentrate allowance on their response to training and adaptation to an automated milking system

The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) if dairy cow personality traits and concentrate allowance are associated with the behavior and performance of cows during training to use an automated milking system (AMS); and 2) if these factors were associated with the behavior and performance of cows after AMS training. Twenty-nine mid- to late-lactation Holstein cows (218 ± 49 DIM), who were milking on a rotary parlor and had never previously been milked in an AMS, were enrolled in this study. Cows were assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, consisting of a basal partial mixed ration (PMR) common to both treatment groups, with a concentrate allowance (on dry matter basis) of: 1) 2.0 kg/d in the AMS (L-Tx); or 2) 6.0 kg/d in the AMS (H-Tx). Cows were trained to use the free-traffic AMS, with supervised milkings, over 72 h and were milked in this system for 63 d after training was complete. Variables relating to feeding behavior, milking activity, and production were measured from the start of AMS training until the end of the study. Between 42 and 63 d after AMS introduction, each cow was assessed for personality traits using a combined arena test consisting of exposure to a novel environment, novel object, and novel human. Principal components analysis of behaviors observed during the personality assessment revealed 2 factors (interpreted as boldness and activeness traits) that together explained 85% of the variance; each cow received a score for each trait. Associations between dietary treatment and personality traits with feeding behavior, milking activity, and production were analyzed using mixed-effect linear and logistic regression models. Cows with greater scores for the active trait produced less milk during the 3 d of AMS training compared with cows with lower scores. Within the H-Tx, more active cows had a 3.92 times greater risk of kicking off teat cups during AMS training than less active cows. However, during the 8 wk after training, more active cows had a 1.37 times lesser risk of teat cup kickoffs than those that were less active. Cows on the H-Tx produced 4.4 kg/d more energy-corrected milk compared with cows on the L-Tx in the 8 wk after training. During the 8 wk after AMS training the cows on the H-Tx consumed an average of 21.4 kg/d of PMR and were delivered 4.6 kg/d of AMS concentrate, while the L-Tx cows consumed 23.4 kg/d PMR and were delivered 2.0 kg/d of AMS concentrate. The results indicate that both dairy cow personality traits and AMS concentrate allocation influence their response to AMS training and subsequent feeding and milking behavior and production.

Bacterial Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Microorganisms Isolated from Teat Cup Liners in Dairy Farms in Shandong Province, China.

Global milk consumption exceeds 800 million tons a year and is still growing. Milk quality and its products are critical to human health. A teat cup makes direct contact with the cow's teats during milking and its cleanliness is very important for the quality of raw milk. In this study, the microorganism from post-milking teat cup liners were collected from six dairy farms in Shandong Province of China, the bacterial species were identified using microbial mass spectrometry, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the isolated strains against ten antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth microdilution method, and the antimicrobial resistance genes were detected by PCR. The results indicated that the most frequently isolated bacteria in this study were Bacillus licheniformis (39/276, 14.13%), followed by Bacillus pumilus (20/276, 7.25%), Bacillus cereus (17/276, 6.16%), and Bacillus subtili (16/276, 5.80%). The isolates exhibited the highest average resistance to lincomycin (87.37%), followed by sulfadiazine (61.05%) and streptomycin (42.63%); the highest detection rate of resistance genes was Sul1 (55.43%), followed by ant(4') (51.09%), tet(M) (25.36%), blaKPC (3.62%) and qnrS (3.62%). These findings imply the necessity for enhanced measures in disinfecting cow udders and milking equipment, highlighting the persistently challenging issue of antimicrobial resistance in Shandong Province.

The Transmission of Campylobacter Strains in Dairy Herds in Different Housing Systems.

Cattle are frequent carriers of Campylobacter spp.; therefore, these bacteria may be transmitted to humans through meat or milk. Campylobacter spp. in raw milk derives most commonly from secondary fecal contamination during the milking process; however, the udder excretion of Campylobacter may be a cause of milk-borne infection. Studies were carried out on a Campylobacter-positive farm with two different housing systems (with free-stall and tie-stall systems). The sampling process comprised several stages, including samples being taken from animals, such as from raw milk and feces, and from the environment, such as the from floor in the milking parlor and from teat cups. None of the individual raw milk samples or swabs from the floor in the parlor before the milking process were positive for Campylobacter spp. Simultaneously, Campylobacter spp. was isolated from all swabs from the floor after the milking process and in the bulk tank milk samples from the two farms. The incidence of Campylobacter isolated from fecal and teat swab samples ranged from 15.4% to 26.7% and from 8.9% to 25%, respectively. Altogether, 59 recovered Campylobacter isolates were classified, based on sequencing of the flaA short variable region, showing 15 different allele types, and the majority of them were distributed among one farm. Analysis of the virulence and antimicrobial properties showed that genes related to adherence, invasion and cytotoxicity were widely distributed among the Campylobacter recovered strains. In relation to AMR, multidrug resistance was noted in 16.1% of strains.

Occurrence and diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in Portuguese dairy farms

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic microorganism that causes listeriosis, an infection that usually occurs after consumption of contaminated food and is considered particularly dangerous due to its ability to grow and multiply under adverse conditions. In recent years, there has been an increase in the consumption of unprocessed products, such as raw milk and dairy products, by people of all ages, including those with compromised immune systems, which could lead to an increase in foodborne illness. Ruminants play a very important role in the persistence and transmission of L. monocytogenes through a continuous oral-faecal cycle. Therefore, farms are considered a reservoir of this microorganism and are involved in the transmission from animals to humans. In this study, samples of faeces, milk, water, silage, feed and teat cups swabs were collected from 8 farms to assess the distribution of the pathogen in the farm environment. Milk samples were also collected from 100 dairy farms to assess the risk associated with the consumption of raw milk. Detection was performed by real-time PCR, while preparation, enrichment and confirmation were performed according to ISO 11290–1, (2017). The prevalence in water was 8.3%, in faeces 12.5% and in feed 12.0%, while in the other samples the microorganism was not detected. It was also observed that this microorganism was more abundant in spring months. The eight isolates were serotyped by real-time PCR and the most frequent serogroup was IVb with 5 isolates (2 of which were IVb-v1) and the remaining 3 were IIb. Two of the clonal complexes (CCs) identified were shared by two isolates (CC 213 and CC 217), the remaining CCs identified (CC 392, CC 554, CC 489, CC 224 and CC 183) were not identified in more than one isolate. This study contributed to a better understanding of the ecology of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms, showing that most of the clones found in food were not present in this environment and that genes coding for disinfectants and heavy metals were not detected.

Eradication of Bovine Mastitis Caused by the Pathogenic Microalga Prototheca bovis on a Dairy Cattle Farm: A Case Report

The achlorophyllous unicellular microalga of the genus Prototheca, a causative agent of bovine mammary gland infection, is receiving increasing attention in the field of veterinary medicine. Mastitis caused by these algae leads to significant economic losses for farmers worldwide and represents a source of threat to raw milk quality and dairy food-chain safety. This case report describes an outbreak of bovine mastitis in dairy cattle caused by Prototheca bovis and the on-farm practices that resulted in the recovery of the affected herd and elimination of the presence of Prototheca spp. in the farm environment. Effective management strategies that played a crucial role in protothecosis eradication included regular screening, timely identification, strict separation of Prototheca-positive cows, a change of housing regime associated with the utilisation of straw mattresses and removal of deep bedding and, finally, the introduction of intermediate disinfection of teat cups with peracetic acid to prevent the spread of infection to other healthy individuals. The eradication process lasted approximately three years and required the removal of 139 cows from the farm. The corrective and preventive measures described in this case report provide guidance to farmers on how to successfully deal with protothecal mastitis on farms.

Design of a Teat Cup Attachment Robot for Automatic Milking Systems

Automatic milking systems (AMSs) for medium and large dairy farms in China require manual assistance to attach the teat cup, which greatly affects the milking efficiency and labor costs. In this regard, it is necessary to realize the automatic completion of cow teat attachment work. To address this issue, the authors developed a teat cup attachment robot for an AMS based on the theory of the solution of inventive problems (TRIZ). Specifically, we developed an enhanced algorithm for teat detection and designed a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator with integrated drive control. The design parameters were simulated and analyzed to validate their efficacy, while the rationality of the manipulator’s movement during teat cup attachment was verified. The maximum displacement and angle error of the cup was 1.625 mm and 1.216 mm, respectively, as verified by the teat cup attachment error test. A dynamic response test showed that the manipulator could follow the teat of the cow in real time. The attachment time for teat cups was 21 s per cow, with a success rate of 98%. The performance of the teat cup attachment robot was capable of meeting the automatic attachment teat cup needs for medium and large dairy farms during milking.

Biofilm-Producing Ability of Staphylococcus aureus Obtained from Surfaces and Milk of Mastitic Cows

This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of mastitis in 153 dairy cows and to evaluate the kinetics of adhesion of isolates obtained from surfaces and milk in comparison with the reference strain (RS), CCM 4223. The surfaces of the floor, teat cup, and cow restraints were aseptically swabbed in three replicates (n = 27). Of the total number of infected cows (n = 43), 11 samples were found to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus, 12 samples tested positive for non-aureus staphylococci, 6 samples tested positive for Streptococcus spp., and 11 samples tested positive for other bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp.) or a mixed infection. The most represented pathogen in milk (11/43) and on surfaces (14/27) was S. aureus. The kinetics of adhesion of the reference strain and isolates of S. aureus on stainless steel surfaces were determined after 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of incubation. All strains reached counts higher than 5 Log10 CFU/cm2 needed for biofilm formation, except RS (4.40 Log10 CFU/cm2). The isolates of S. aureus revealed a higher capability to form biofilm in comparison with RS during the first 3 h (p &lt; 0.001). Thus, there is a significant difference between the occurrence of S. aureus on monitored surfaces—floor, teat cup, and cow restraints—and the frequency with which mastitis is caused by S. aureus (p &lt; 0.05). This finding raises the possibility that if various surfaces are contaminated by S. aureus, it can result in the formation of biofilm, which is a significant virulence factor.

Effectiveness of sanitation regime in a milking parlour to control microbial contamination of teats and surfaces teat cups'.

The major sources of bacterial contamination of raw milk are post-harvest manipulation; therefore the disinfection of teat and teat cups which decrease the bacterial load has a positive impact on minimizing new infection rates. The aim of the study was determination of the incidence of pathogens on investigated surfaces, evaluation of the effectiveness of sanitation regime in the reduction of surface microbial load, and determination of the effectiveness of mechanical cleaning of teats in a milking parlour for dairy cows. Samples from surfaces were taken by microbiological swabs using a sterile cotton swab from area of 5×2cm2. Sanitation regime was evaluated based on the effectiveness of active substances - lactic acid and sodium hypochlorite. From a total of 105 swab, 44 samples were found positive for Staphylococcus aureus, 16 samples for E. coli, 15 samples for Micrococcus spp., 8 samples for Staphylococcus xylosus, 9 samples for Staphylococcus cohni urealyticum, 1 sample for Enterococcus faecalis. Among isolates, S. aureus was the predominat species from teats - 19/45, teat cups, 15/45 and from wiping cloths 10/15. Sanitation regime was confirmed by a decrease in the number of coliform bacteria (CB) determined on teat and teat cups from 2.33-0.95 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001) and 0.90-0.62 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), respectively, and in the number of total bacteria count (TBC) determined on teat and teat cups from 4.36-0.99 Log10CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), and 1.85-0.77 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), respectively. Incidence of CB (2.53 Log10 CFU/cm2) and TBC (3.83 Log10 CFU/cm2) on wiping cloths after mechanical cleaning of udders stress the importance of this step. Results show that disinfectant with lactic acid as the main active ingredient is suitable for bacterial reduction. Post-milking disinfection of teat and teat cups reduces bacterial contamination and proves to be most effective against environmental bacteria.

On the question of physiologically safe principles of machine milking

Purpose. Increasing the efficiency of the machine milking cows process by developing a mechanical and technological basis for the creation of physiologically safe milking equipment. Methods. Research and generalization of the world experience in the development of milking equipment. Experimental studies of the relationships between the parameters of the two-chamber milking cup and the teat rubber based on the general principles of mechanics. Results. The world experience in studying the issue of the negative impact of milking equipment on th body of cows in the process of machine milking is summarized. The design, principle of operation and results of experimental studies of special inserts for serial sleeves of milking cups and for milking rubber are given. Conclusions. The main factors of negative impact in the process of machine milking are the impact of the teat rubber during the transition from the sucking cycle to the compression cycle and intense mechanical impact after stopping the milk supply. Special inserts for milking rubber and sleeves of the two-chamber milking cup ensure the implementation of physiologically safe principles of machine milking. Compared to a typical two-chamber teat cup, the teat cup sleeve insert provides pressure equalization in the teat and interwall space in the suction stroke, and the teat rubber insert provides a reduction in the compression stroke of the vacuum pressure in the teat space compared to the pressure in the chamber of the milk collector. Keywords: machine milking, teat cup, liner, mastitis, hyperkeratosis.

Оценка надежности доильных установок на основании анализа их отказов

The milking and dairy equipment of a number of domestic enterprises is very worn out. The wear of milking equipment is caused by non-compliance with their maintenance and repair. To assess the reliability of individual elements and systems of milking machines used in production and to determine the ways to improve their operational characteristics, the authors analyzed the operation of enterprises located in the the Lyskovo district of the Nizhny Novgorod region using the most common linear milking machines. They analyzed failures and the time spent on ensuring the operability of milking systems. As a result of the study, the structure of failures for various systems and elements of milking machines was determined. The study determined the values of individual reliability indicators - operating time for failure and the failure fl ow parameter. The value of the availability coeffi cient, which characterizes both reliability and maintainability, was determined. The analysis of the reliability indicators of milking units showed that the largest number of failures of linear milking units falls on milking machines (41.2%), on the primary milk processing system (16.5%) and the vacuum system (11.3%). In the vacuum system, most of the failures are associated with the vacuum regulator (54.5%). In the dairy system, group counters are vulnerable elements. In milking machines, faulty teat cups account for 45% of failures, in which the nipple rubber wears out intensively. The lowest operating time for failure of milking machines and the dairy system indicates the need to improve their designs and the system of technical service. For elements of primary milk processing systems, the washing of milking equipment, and the vacuum system, the time required to eliminate failures is more than two hours, therefore, it is recommended to organize an exchange pool of spare parts and a modular repair method.

Automatic Milk Quantity Recording System for Small-Scale Dairy Farms Based on Internet of Things

The milk quantity of dairy cows is the most important piece of data in farm management. However, it is difficult to measure and record the milk quantity for small-scale dairy farms. Therefore, the automatic milk quantity recording system for small-scale dairy farms is studied. It consists of a weight scale mechanism and an embedded system installed on a wheelbarrow for measuring and recording milk quantity. For the process of the system, the milk quantity of each cow is measured based on the load cell in kilogram units. The data such as real-time clock, cow ID, and individual and total milk quantity are recorded on a microSD memory card and sent based on the Internet of Things (IoT) for recording in a Google sheet. Furthermore, the system can alert the farmers to remove the teat cups when the cow milk comes to the end by detecting the derivative of milk quantity with respect to time. The experimental results show that the proposed system can correctly measure and record milk quantity. This system can help the farmers in improving and managing dairy farms effectively.

Characterization and spoilage potential of Bacillus cereus isolated from farm environment and raw milk.

Bacillus cereus sensu lato (B. cereus sl) is important spoilage bacteria causing milk structure and flavor changes and is ubiquitous in the environment. This study addresses the biodiversity, toxicity, and proteolytic activity of B. cereus sl from 82 environmental samples and 18 raw bovine milk samples from a dairy farm in the region of Tianjin. In sum, 47 B. cereus sl isolates were characterized through biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and panC gene analysis. Fourteen sequence types (STs) of B. cereus sl were found in raw bovine milk samples, and five new STs (ST2749, ST2750, ST2751, ST2752, and ST2753) were identified in this study. ST1150 was the dominant ST, associated with fecal, air, drinking water, teat skin, teat cup, and teat dip cup. The results of toxin gene analyses showed that 12.77% and 8.51% of isolates carried hblACD and nheABC operons, respectively. In addition, the detection rate of emetic cesB gene was 21.28%. B. cereus sl demonstrated high spoilage potentials even at 7°C, which has the proteolytic activity of 14.32 ± 1.96 μmol of glycine equivalents per ml. Proteolytic activities were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after the heat treatment. The residual activity of protease produced at 7°C was significantly higher than that produced at 25°C and 37°C after treatment at 121°C for 10 s and 135°C for 5 s (p < 0.01). Together, the results provide insights into the characteristics of B. cereus sl from farm environment and raw bovine milk and revealed that B. cereus sl contamination should also be monitored in raw milk for ultra-high temperature (UHT) products. This knowledge illustrates that strict cleaning management should be implemented to control B. cereus sl and assure high-quality milk products.

Evaluation of labor ergonomics of machine milking operators working at milking machines «Carousel»

The article shows the assessment of the hourly and shift energy intensity of the operator's work on rotary milking machines with internal milking (of the "Herringbone" type) with the connection of teat cups on the side and on installations with external milking with the connection of teat cups at the back (of the "Parallel" type). The purpose of the study is to determine the indicators of ergonomics and energy intensity of labor productivity of machine milking operators working on rotary milking machines. The conditions that affect the labor productivity of the milking operator are considered. Calculations are presented to determine the indicators of ergonomics and energy intensity of labor of machine milking operators. The data were obtained empirically using the method of chronometric observations of the work of operators in the milking parlor and the principles of a systematic approach. The total mass of loads moved during each hour of the shift from the working surface is exceeded for men (the normal value is not more than 870 kg) and significantly exceeded for women (the normal value is not more than 350 kg) and is 644...1380 kg on Milkline (external) provided that one operator works at the connecting of the milking machine. The total mass of loads is also exceeded for female operators on the AutoRotor 40 (external) and AutoRotor 60 (external) «Carousels» and amounts to 653 kg and 575 kg per operator, respectively. The normal value of the static load per shift when holding the load and applying efforts with one hand for men - not more than 353.0 kN∙s, for women ‒ not more than 215.7 kN∙s. On Milkline installations (external) it is 212.4…455.0 kN∙s when one operator works at the connecting of the milking machine, while the upper limit is significantly exceeded for both men and especially women.

The teat cup detachment level affects milking performance in an automatic milking system with teat cleaning and milking in the same teat cup.

The goal of the present study was to determine the best quarter milk flow for teat cup detachment depending on lactational stage and milking interval to optimize the milking process in automatic milking systems (AMS). Milking characteristics and post-milking teat condition were recorded in an AMS with all actions from teat cleaning to post-milking teat dipping occurring in the same teat cup and liner (GEA DairyRobot R9500). In 24 dairy cows, 12 in early (<80 DIM) and 12 in late lactation (>180 DIM), 294 milkings were recorded during 12 consecutive days. Teat cup detachment was set at a quarter milk flow of 50, 87.5 or 125 g/min. Voluntary milking intervals varied similarly in cows in early (6.1-14.8 h) and late lactation (6.3-15.7 h). Total milk yield, milk production per h and average milk flow were higher in early than in late lactation cows. Total milk yield per milking did not differ between detachment levels. The mean milking time was reduced by up to 1.5 min at the highest compared to the lowest detachment level mainly in early lactation cows (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect of the detachment level on milking time was observed at milking intervals >10 h. Average milk flow was higher at milking intervals >10 h than ≤10 h (P < 0.05). In the early lactation cows (only) the average milk flow increased with higher detachment levels (P < 0.05). Teat condition did not differ among detachment settings or milking intervals. In conclusion, teat cup detachment up to 125 g/min reduces milking time in both early and late lactation without a loss of milk yield or affecting the teat condition. Combined with a higher average milk flow through avoiding too short milking intervals, the total milking time and hence stall occupancy can be optimized by early teat cup detachment.

Milking temperament of Anatolian buffaloes during early lactation

Buffalos are increasingly used for milk production, but milking them is challenging due to their temperament and strong cow-calf relationship. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the milking behaviours and temperament score in Anatolian buffaloes and the effects of milking temperament score on the milking traits of cows. The study was performed on 43 lactating primiparous and multiparous Anatolian buffaloes at a commercial farm in Türkiye. At milking, each buffalo cow was scored using a temperament scoring system (1: docile, 2: restless, 3: nervous and 4: aggressive) that assessed the animal's reactivity on days 6, 30, 60 and 90 of lactation after calving. Additionally, the milking time (MT), milk flow rate (MFR) and milk yield per milking (MYM) of the cows were measured. The MT and MYM were measured using a digital chronometer and scales, respectively. The increase in the temperament score of the cows during milking was significantly positively correlated with the frequency of vocalising, kicking, stepping, defecating, urinating and pulling the teat cup off. In general, it was observed that Anatolian buffalo cows were restless during milking. The temperament score on day 6 of lactation was higher than during other periods. However, the milking temperament score of the buffaloes decreased rapidly during the later periods of lactation, i.e., the buffalo cows adapted to the milking procedures over time. The temperament score of cows with parity of ≤ 2 was higher than those with a parity of ≥ 4 on day 6 of lactation. Moreover, a statistically significant decrease in the MFR and MYM values of cows with an increasing temperament score was determined for all lactation periods. Except for on day 30 of lactation, the MT values of the cows also increased as the temperament score increased for the other lactation periods. An increase in the temperament score of the cows during milking was negatively correlated with the MYM and MFR values of the buffalo cows and was positively correlated with the MT on day 6 of lactation. Moreover, similar statistically significant correlations were observed between the temperament score and the milking characteristics (MYM, MT and MFR) on days 6, 30, 60 and 90 of lactation. These results suggest that the temperament score of the buffalo cows had an adverse effect on the MFR, MYM and MT values at various stages of lactation.

Aspectos econômicos e produtivos do manejo de ordenha na pecuária leiteira

The Brazilian dairy sector is important for the world agricultural production; however, it presents problems in production efficiency and milk quality, since the occurrence of mastitis in the herds can reach 47%. The present study analyzed data from a rural property with 100 lactating cows in a semi-intensive breeding system, which did not adopt adequate hygiene management for milking processes. Corrective measures were proposed, such as daily strip cup test, biweekly California Mastitis Test, formation of a new milking line, and daily pre dipping and post dipping and cleaning of teat cups. Milk samples from 10 animals with positive clinical mastitis, 10 animals with positive subclinical mastitis, and from the cooling tank were collected at one day before and 90 days after the implementation of the proposed measures and sent to a laboratory for analysis of somatic cell counting (SCC) and total bacteria counting (TBC). An increase of 17% in milk production and decreases of 64% and 40% in clinical and subclinical mastitis, respectively, were found after 90 days, with a consequent decrease in SCC and TBC. The milking duration after this period denoted an adaptation of the employees to the new procedures. The production financial yield was calculated based on the implementation costs of the adopted adequations and increases in milk production, representing a profitability increase of 10.4%. The implemented adequations were efficient for the control of mastitis and increase in milk yield and quality, resulting in a positive economic return.

THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH PNEUMATIC ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSATOR COMBINED WITH COLLECTOR

This article demonstrates the results of experimental research one of the pulsators. Its main difference from others is a pneumatic electromagnetic pulsator in combination with a collector. Therefore, this article describes in detail the process of studying the pulsator. The planned experiment was carried out on by Factorial experiments with multiple factors. The influence of factors (the ripple frequency n, the milk ejection q and the ratio between strokes t/T) on the vacuum pressure in the inter wall chamber of teat cups was studied. The regression equation of the dependence response criterion on factors is modeled. This dependence is demonstrated graphically. Also there is a contour graph which is for more detailed information.

Effects of Different Milk-Tube Guidance Settings and Teat-Cup Types on the Dynamics of Teat-End Vacuum and Vacuum Fluctuations During Machine Milking

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of milk tube guidance setting and teat cup type on the dynamics of teat-end vacuum and vacuum fluctuations in quarter individual milking systems. In order to meet this objective, a series of wet tests was conducted in the laboratory. Different teat cups; AMS, BIO and RVS along with the milk tube guidance settings namely; direct tube, half-half tube and Y-piece tube system with varying tube inside diameters were tested at different water flow rates. The data obtained from the wet-test measurements were used to calculate the teat-end vacuum and vacuum fluctuation at the teat-end in b and d- phase. From the study conducted, it was found that the teat-end vacuum in BIO is always between the range of 32 and 42 kPa as recommended by DIN ISO 5707 (2010a) at any flow rate for all three types of connections. The teat-end vacuum for RVS was between 32-42 kPa range if the flow rate varies between 4 and 6 L min-1 for both, the direct and the half-half connection. The Y-piece connection meets DIN ISO 5707 (2010a) requirements once the flow rate changes between 2 and 6 L min-1. The findings about milk tube inside diameter indicated that the use of 14 or 16 mm milk tube diameter for BIO will provide better teat-end vacuum if the recommended value of 10 mm is used. On the other hand, the use of 16 mm milk tube diameter was found to be appropriate for AMS as recommended by the manufacturer. For the RVS, the appropriate milk tube diameter should be 14 mm when statistical differences in b and d-phase are examined from the point of teat-end vacuum and vacuum fluctuations.

Laboratory Tests to Optimize the Milking Machine Settings with Air Inlet Teat Cups for Sheep and Goats

Milking machine design and performance are directly related to the milkability of sheep and goats, with the aim of milking quickly, completely and gently. This leads to an increase in the milk yield with improved quality, and the maintenance of healthy udders. The aim of this study was to carry out laboratory tests to determine the optimal level of vacuum, pulsation rate and pulsation ratio of new milking machines in high and low milk lines for sheep and goats. This study was conducted at the Department of Research and Development, Siliconform, Germany. For this purpose, different levels of vacuum (32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 kPa), milk jet (2, 2.5, 3 and 4 mm), milk line (high line and low line) and pulsation ratio (50:50 and 60:40) were used. First minute water flow (1st WF/kg) was used as an indicator for assessing the best combination in the milking machine. In addition, the cyclic vacuum fluctuation was measured in the inner chamber of the teat cup during the 1st WF/kg with the aid of a Vacuscope device. Statistical analysis was conducted using the mixed procedure in SAS. Our results show that the vacuum level, the milk jet and the pulsation ratio had a significant influence (p &lt; 0.05) on the 1st WF/kg in the two milking machines for goats and sheep. In conclusion, the ideal conditions for milking goats with air inlet teat cups in the milking machine are a vacuum level of 36–38 kPa (low line) and 38–40 kPa (high line), a pulsation rate of 90 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 60:40, while the ideal conditions in the sheep milking machines are a vacuum level of 35–36 kPa (low line) and 36–38 kPa (high line), a pulsation rate of 120 cycles/min and a pulsation ratio of 60:40 or 50:50.