New Concepts in Milking Equipment Evaluation and Airflow Dynamics

Authors

  • Graeme A. Mein Dept. of Dairy Science and Dept. of Medical Sciences, School of Vet. Medicine, UW-Madison, WI 53706; Bou-Matic, DEC International, Madison, WI USA

Keywords:

milking system, milking unit performance, system plumbing, regulator location, vacuum drop

Abstract

No component of any milking system can influence the milking characteristics of a cow, or her risk on mastitis infection, unless it affects either liner vacuum, the liner wall movement or liner pressure applied to the teat, or teatcup weight distribution between udder quarters. Therefore, better quantitative measures of performance of the milking unit (''milkability'') are needed.

For trouble-shooting faults in system plumbing or regulator location and performance, milking systems should be tested at the operating vacuum (not necessarily 15" Hg), with the regulator connected and operating, the air flowmeter connected at or near the receiver and, preferably, with the teatcups plugged and operating. Measurement errors are common because of the effects of air flow on vacuum level. New concepts of effective reserve and manual reserve are discussed. Performance guidelines are proposed for carrying capacity of mil kines, effective reserve and regulator efficiency, pump capacity and vacuum drop in pipelines.

Author Biography

  • Graeme A. Mein, Dept. of Dairy Science and Dept. of Medical Sciences, School of Vet. Medicine, UW-Madison, WI 53706; Bou-Matic, DEC International, Madison, WI USA

    Professor, Milking Research, UW-Madison; Director of Research, Bou-Matic

Cover image of the 26th Conference Proceedings: A photo of the Albuquerque skyline during midday. In the foreground are skyscrapers, the scene is dotted with trees and scrub land, and a mountain rises behind the city. Yellow background.

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Published

1993-09-16

Issue

1993

Section

Dairy Sessions