Effect of milking systems on the milk somatic cell counts and composition; Livestock Research for Rural Development.

Divisions

Research

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Journal

Online journal

Issue

1974

Language

en

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of milk somatic cell counts, with regard to the milking practices followed under organized farms, under peri-urban systems and in single holdings under rural conditions. Milk samples were collected from 32 crossbred (CB) cow; 16 each milked under the Flat barn and Vario-Tandem Parlors, and were analyzed for SCC and milk composition. Distinction was also made between samples collected from bucket milked and hand milked CB cows. The operations at the time of milking were recorded along with milk yield of individual animals. Milk samples collected from CMT negative animals were analyzed for fat, protein and lactose.

Average values of SCC were higher (P<0.01) in hand milked animals than machine milked cows. Lactose was found to be significantly lower (P< 0.01) in hand milked cows, whereas, changes in fat and proteins were not significant. Milking practices followed by farmers need improvements to obtain clean milk production under field conditions.

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