Proper and consistent milking procedures improve milk production, milk quality and profitability
Extension Education
Izabella Toledo
Mayo
Abstract
The purpose of developing an extension program focused on performing proper milking procedures is to help producers improve milking management and produce high quality milk. Proper milking procedures hands-on training offered by extension and the development of supplemental materials has the objective to provide producers with tools to train new and existing employees.
Consistent and efficient milking practices can improve herd performance and milk quality. The main goal of a proper milking management program is to harvest high-quality milk by gently, quickly, and completely milking clean and dry teats, while minimizing intramammary infections (mastitis) and reducing stress on both cows and parlor workers. The first step in having a successful milking management program is to properly establish and understand a standard milking routine. Training parlor workers in following proper milking procedures is critical to maintaining maximum milk quality and can frequently prevent the inconsistent milking practices that can negatively affect production and udder health. Additionally, proper environmental management and cleanliness of the cows, the parlor, and the milking equipment are major determinants of both milking efficiency and control of mastitis.
Improvements in milking procedures results in a substantial impact on both milk production and milk quality. Decreases in somatic cell counts from 400,000 to 200,000 cells/mL of milk due to improvements in milking procedures may increase milk production by 12,250,000 lbs/year. Depending on milk price, this production increase represents about $2,700,000 in additional milk sales. The decreases in mastitis, which is one of the costliest diseases in dairy may also be reduced by training employees to consistently follow milking procedures. The average incidence of mastitis on a conventional dairy operation is about 32%, which means that 32 out of 100 cows on average have a case of clinical mastitis during lactation. Treating mastitis usually costs around $200 per case.
Dairy farms that participate on the proper milking procedures extension program and adopt the proper techniques and materials to train their employees, will have great benefits by increasing milk production, milk quality and farm profitability.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Izabella Toledo
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Toledo, I. Northeast Regional Specialized Agent-Dairy, University of Florida, Florida, 32608