The analysis of milk flow dynamics from udder quarters of cows

Abstract

The infl��uence of number of lactation, teat position and peak fl��ow�� rate were studied on the q�uarter measures milk flow patterns. The data from 68 Holstein cows characterized by unequal peak flow rate of single quarter within the udder were used for statistical analysis. A total of 243 curves were recoreded during four consecutive months. Quarter position affected most of the measured parameters. Rear quarters had significantly longer duration of plateau and decrease phase than front ones, and milk yield in these phases was higher too (P<0.05). But front quarters (right and left) were overmilked more than two-fold (109.38 s and 103.23 s) as long as rear ones (right and left) (44.07 s and 43.98 s) and milk yields of front quarters were higher. The number of lactation had significant effect only on stripping yield and log SCC. Cows at their first lactation had significantly lower stripping yield (0.06 kg) than older ones (0.14, 0.14, 0.13 kg respectively). Quarters with higher peak flow rate had significantly longer duration of decrease phase and shorter duration of plateau than quarters with low or middle flow rate. Probably longer duration of decrease phase and higher flow rate might be a reason for increasing sensitivity to mastitis. Quarter milking brings new insight into milking process that could be used to more effective milking.