Module 5- Milking procedures

Question 1

5 goals of a milking program

Answer 1

1) obtain max milk -> take it all
2) obtain high quality milk via good hygiene
3) maintain efficient operation of milking machine -> monitor vacuum & pressure
4) maintain cow health & welfare -> calm entrance into parlour
5) ergoniomical labour

Question 2

5 things improper milking techniques can lead to

Answer 2

1) udder tissue damage
2) udder infection -> mastitis
3) poor milk quality
4) decreased milk production
5) decreased profitability

Question 3

3 components necessary for complete milk removal

Answer 3

1) proper pre-stimulation -> dip/clean
2) efficient operation of machine
3) quick, clean & gentle milker

Question 4

what can naturally stimulate oxytocin release?

Answer 4

presence of the calf

Question 5

fetching

Answer 5

proper terminology that means to get the cows for milking
- low stress

Question 6

4 ways oxytocin can be released aside from the presence of the calf

Answer 6

1) fetching cows for milking
2) entering milking parlour -> sight & sound of machines
3) fore-stripping / udder prep
4) oxytocin injection

Question 7

why should oxytocin injections not be used chronically?

Answer 7

decreases natural milk ejection rates within a week

Question 8

how long should the pre-dip stay on the teat? Why?

Answer 8

30 seconds to kill bacteria & remove dirt

Question 9

how long for stimulation of milk letdown (fore-stripping)

Answer 9

10-20 seconds

Question 10

how long for lag time

Answer 10

60-120 seconds (typically 90) for mechanical stimulation to cause oxytocin release

Question 11

post-milking teat closure

Answer 11

sphincter closure from complete drying of teat dip to decrease risk for infection

Question 12

T or F: lag time is shorter for cows milked more frequently

Answer 12

F, it is longer

Question 13

how long does milking take

Answer 13

6-8 mins

Question 14

what can happen with improper pre-stimulation at milking?

Answer 14

secondary wave of oxytocin release can occur - does not achieve same concentration & myoepithelial cells are not as responsive

Question 15

T or F: blood oxytocin will decrease rapidly when milk ejection is stimulated

Answer 15

T

Question 16

risk for cow of improper stimulation?

Answer 16

1) longer exposure to equipment = increases risk for teat end damage
2) poor milking procedures = increases risk for teat end damage & mastitis

Question 17

is milk removal more or less efficient if fed concentrate in parlour

Answer 17

more

Question 18

advantages vs disadvantages of feeding concentrate in parlour

Answer 18

A:
- more efficient milk removal - decreased milking time
- increased milk production
- prolonged & increased oxytocin release

D:
- inadequate time to consume all concentrate -> hard to tell how much eating
- dust = poorer milk quality

Question 19

2 reasons why we feed cows in robots?

Answer 19

1) helps with oxytocin release
2) increases milking speed

Question 20

when is the highest milk fat concentration during milking? Why?

Answer 20

end of milking, clustering of milk fat globules in alveoli

Question 21

how much do producers get paid per kg of milk fat?

Answer 21

$19

Question 22

how can infrequent inter-milking intervals affect milk composition

Answer 22

alters milk compositon

Question 23

why do we want complete removal of milk?

Answer 23

1) more milk
2) removes negative feed back - more we take = more we get
3) reduces udder pressure

Question 24

benefit of having a rigid milking routine

Answer 24

450kg more milk per lactation

Question 25

3 reasons for inhibition of milk let down

Answer 25

1) milk not released from alveoli
2) stress/fear = counteracts effects of oxytocin
3) first-calf heifers

Question 26

residual milk is (%) of milk yield

Answer 26

10-15

Question 27

5 things that should be done prior to milking

Answer 27

1) plan order of milking -> sick cows last, fresh 1st and last to double up on milking
2) forestrip
3) check udder for swelling/redness
4) pre-dip
5) dry with towel

Question 28

why should teats never be cleaned with warm water?

Answer 28

it is not a disinfectant, if not dried properly = bacteria can enter

Question 29

3 things you should do during milking

Answer 29

1) check vacuum & pulsation of each unit
2) attach milking units
3) remove milking units

Question 30

reason for air sucking during milking

Answer 30

liner slippage = increases risk for microbial introduction

Question 31

robot vs parlour automatic removal of milk units

Answer 31

robot- quarter level
parlour: cow level

Question 32

2 things that should be done after milking

Answer 32

1) post dip
2) encourage cows to stand -> by offering feed

Question 33

what temp should milk be stored at? Why?

Answer 33

1-4 degrees C to prevent bacterial growth

Question 34

T or F: not allowed to have mobile tanks in canada

Answer 34

T

Question 35

5 steps to cleaning milking equipment

Answer 35

1) warm water rinse to remove milk
2) alkaline detergent with chlorine
- removes protein & fat
- prevents salt deposit formation
3) acid rinse
- kills bacteria
- prevent formation of mineral deposits
4) warm water rinse
5) sanitizing solution
- reduces bacteria on equipment