Milking Procedures-Udder Prep Milk Flow.ppt

* Multiple uses Milker crew performance * 1Incline or increasing Flow phase: Strongly influenced by the stimulation time, prep-lag time and interruptions to milk ejection. BIMODAL MILK FLOW. 2Peak flow or Plateau Phase: Determined primarily by teat anatomy (elasticity of streak canal length of streak canal). Plateau is terminated when individual quarters pass max milk flow and cisternal milk volume is declining. Teat lesions reduce the elasticity of teat canal increase mastitis risk. Optimal flow rate 3 to 6 kg/min. Rates 6 kg = increased risk for mastitis Flow rates 2 kg/min – ‘difficult to milk’ Short Plateau = vacuum issues Decline phase: short decline = Good long decline = overmilked quarters influenced by alignment and unit support * Biomodal milk flow as described earlier is the result of insufficient stimulation of milk let down, an inadequate prep-lag time or a combination of both. Milk flow curve when there is inadequate premilking stimulation If timing of unit attachment (prep-lag time) does not coincide with oxytocin release, the movement of milk from the alveolar storage to the cisternal fraction will be delayed. There will be a temporary cessation in milk flow, also called bimodal letdown. Bimodal letdown can be present as either a partial or a complete stop in milk flow. Bimodal letdown The 1st spike is from the milk already in the teat end (cisternal milk) 2nd indicates the main milk letdown and the response to oxytocin. More practically it may be seen as the “empty or dry claw” shortly after initial attachment With a proper stimulation, ‘overmilking’ (milking at full vacuum without milk flow) in the beginning or the end of milking may be avoided. Decreased unit on times means less trauma to the teat ends. Healthy teat ends are essential as they form the primary barrier to the environment. * Biomodal milk flow as described earlier is the result of insufficient stimulation of milk let down, an inadequate prep-lag time or a combinati