Milking as a management tool on dairy farms

Abstract

This review covers the effects of alterations to the standard milking routine in order to manage on-farm milk production, optimise the component and microbial composition of milk and optimise herd management, through altering milking frequency and milking intervals, proper functioning of the milking machine and hygiene practices during milking. It is discussed how milking frequency can be an effective tool to manage both milk production and lactation length, as well as to improve reproductive performance and body condition and to reduce the incidence of lameness in cows. The review also highlights the role of the milking machine in determing milking speed and milk quality. Finally it is discussed how the proper maintenance of the milking machine, the milking practice itself and the skin condition of the teats are critical factors in controlling the microbial profile in unpasteurized milk.