In the prevention of mastitis, we often focus on cows, sometimes forgetting that milking itself is also important – its routine and the technical condition of the milking equipment, as explained by Dr. Sebastian Smulski from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the University of Life Sciences in Poznań during the workshops accompanying the XXVI International Scientific Conference in Polanica-Zdrój,
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The expert noted that the pulsation of pulsators, negative pressure, its stability and the correct setting of the level of automatic disconnection of milking clusters are of key importance in this last issue.
What are the optimal vacuum pressure values during milking?
Errors in each of these aspects are associated with negative consequences in terms of udder health. For example, abnormal negative pressure leads to the development of hyperkeratosis (teat exstrophy), which is associated with the risk of udder inflammation, as Dr. Smulski emphasized.
The expert indicated that the optimal values for negative pressure are 32-42 kPa at the teat tip. The vacuum gauge in a lower-line milking machine should read 42-44 kPa, and in the case of an upper-line milking machine – 46-48 kPa. He also noted that it is important that when connecting milking clusters, fluctuations in the vacuum gauge do not exceed ±2 kPa.
Correct level of automatic disconnection of milking clusters
– The occurrence of hyperkeratosis in the herd, especially if its grades 3 and 4 affect more than 20%. milked animals, is often associated with empty milking at the end and at the beginning of milking. Therefore, it is worth checking the level of automatic disconnection of milking clusters, if there is one in the milking system, said Dr. Smulski.
As he explained, in the case of double milking, the milking clusters should be disconnected when the milk flow is at least 400 ml/min, and for three-time milking min. 600ml/min.
– Unfortunately, in factory settings this level is often much lower, which results in empty milks and damage to the udder teat canals. When changing the settings, remember to increase the level of disconnection of the devices gradually, by 50 ml/min, in two-week periods, so as not to lead to the development of udder inflammation – noted the expert.
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Preparing cows for milking is essential
When raising the threshold for removing braces, it is also worth taking a look at how cows are prepared for milking, as Dr. Smulski mentioned.
– If the time of 60-90 sec. is not maintained. from touching the udder to connecting the milking machine, the oxytocin stimulation will be too short and the cow will not be ready to give all the milk from the udder, which may consequently lead to the first empty milking and/or premature disconnection of the milking machines – he emphasized.
The occurrence of mastitis is correlated with the condition of the liner
Dr. Smulski then reminded that the occurrence of mastitis is also correlated with the condition of the liner. If they are not replaced regularly, i.e. rubber ones every 2.5 thousand milkings, silicone every 5 thousand, they lose their elasticity (become hard), which irritates the teats, prolonging the milking and at the same time they are a much larger reservoir of bacteria. Due to the low elasticity of the liner rubbers, there are also major problems with the stability of the vacuum. All these factors increase the number of cases of mastitis.
Assessment of milking equipment – helpful dynamic tests
When assessing milking equipment, it is very helpful to perform a dynamic test during milking using the VaDia (BioControl) device, as stated by the expert.
– Thanks to this device, we are able to detect empty milkings, irregularities in the pressure exerted on the teat ends, appropriate pulsation or correctness of the milking routine, and thus improve the health of the udders – said Dr. Smulski.
