Care & Milking

Machine Milking

Modern milking machines are capable of milking cows quickly and efficiently, without injuring the udder. The milking machine performs two basic functions. It opens the streak canal through the use of a partial vacuum, allowing the milk to flow out of the teat cistern through a line to a receiving container. Massages the teat, preventing congestion of blood and lymph in the teat.

Care and management of Milch Animal

1. To get high milk during any lactation, the milch animal should be properly fed along a proper care and management practices.
2. Provide green succulent forage together with leguminous hay or straw to the extent of animal can consume, so that all its maintenance requirements are met with through forage only. Extra concentrate at the rate of 1 kg for every 2 to 2.5 liters of milk should be provided. Salt and mineral supplements should be given to maintain the lactation.
3. Never frighten or excite the animals.
4. Concentrate mix is fed before or during milking, where as roughages after milking. This practice will avoid dust in the shed.
5. Water should be provided adlibitum.
6. Regularity in milking is essential. Increase of milk in the udder will reduce further secretion of milk. Milking thrice is better than twice since 10 – 15 % more milk can be produced.
7. Milking should be done with whole hand.
8. Cows should be trained to let down milk without calf suckling. This will held to wean the calves early.
9. Loose housing with shelter during hot part of the day should be provided.
10. The animals will get maximum exercise in loose housing system.
11. Grooming of the cows and washing of the buffaloes before milking help in clean milk production.
12. Daily brushing will remove loose hair an dirt from the coat.
13. Grooming will also keep the animal hide pliable.
14. Wallowing of buffaloes or water spraying on their bodies will keep the buffaloes comfortable especially in summer.
15. Provide at least 60 days dry period between calving. If the dry period is not sufficient, the milk yield is subsequent lactation will be reduced.
16. Vaccinate the cows- against important diseases.
17. Every animal should be numbered and particulars pertaining to milk, fat %, feed taken, breeding, drying and calving dates should be recorded.

Clean Milk Production:

Milk containing dirt, dust, foreign materials high bacterial count and with off, flavour is called contaminated milk.