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Vacuum Fluctuation at the Teat End During Mechanical Milking¹

Animal Disease and Parasite Research Division, USDA Ames, Iowa

ABSTRACT

The underlying causes of vacuum fluctuation at the teat end during mechanical milking were studied. Four cows were used to determine the effects of milk flow rate, alterations of the milk collection system, and changes in air inlet on vacuum fluctuation. When the milking machine was operated as recommended by the manufacturer, there was considerable vacuum fluctuation at the teat end during maximum milk flow. Type of pulsation, internal diameter of the milk collection system, and amount and location of air admission all affected vacuum fluctuation. After milk stopped flowing from all four teats, the vacuum at the teat end was quite stable throughout each pulsation cycle in all of the various types of milking machines used.

¹ From the National Animal Disease Laboratory, Animal Disease and Parasite Research Division, A.R.S., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa 50010.