Compliance with milking technique and regimen is considered in cattle breeding to be one of the most important factors ensuring the productivity and health of dairy animals. Milk yield depends on how many times a day farmers milk a cow, along with the physiological parameters of the cattle, nutrition and living conditions. A correct milking schedule allows you to properly stimulate the animal’s lactation, avoid milk stagnation and the development of udder diseases.
[toc]
How many times a day should a cow be milked?
Among the parameters for determining the frequency of milking, the lactation phase and the productivity of the animal should be highlighted. Within two weeks after calving, the cow is milked 4-5 times a day.The cattle are then milked 3 times a day. It is necessary to milk the cow by the hour, maintaining equal periods of time, the longest of which should not exceed 9 hours.
Gradually, with the establishment of lactation (with average daily milk yield 8-10 liters), switch to a two-time “morning-evening” schedule. If there is a lot of milk and the cow is having a hard time, leave the three-time regimen.
There is a “morning-lunch-evening” scheme, which is mainly used in a permanent format on highly productive dairy breeds. In some cases, such a schedule allows you to increase milk yield by 10-20%, but sometimes it does not significantly affect the amount of milk, which is determined experimentally and by calculation.
What can affect the number of milkings per day?
The frequency of milking, as well as the volume of milk yield, is determined by a combination of factors.
The number of milkings is influenced by:
- stages of the life cycle (after calving, the frequency increases, then gradually decreases);
- physiological characteristics of cattle (udder size);
- severity of lactation (production of a large amount of milk, its leakage requires additional manipulations);
- diet (an abundance of juicy food stimulates lactation);
- state of health (cracks in the nipples require a gentle regime, and distension of the udder requires timely emptying).
The frequency of milking is determined by rationally assessing all parameters. Equal time intervals must be observed. When milking twice a day, it is recommended to maintain a gap of 12 hours; when milking three times a day, the animal is milked after 7-8 hours. If additional milking does not bring results, it is advisable to switch to a morning-evening schedule.
