Eliminating Stripping in Machine Milking

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Cows were divided into 2 groups to evaluate consequences of eliminating stripping from milking. The 7 control cows were machine stripped in the normal manner, but the machines were removed from the 9 experimental cows as soon as a sensor indicated flow less than .5 kg/min. Cows in the stripped group averaged .7 kg/milking more than those not stripped. The differences between the 2 groups diminished as lactation progressed. The small but significant interaction of treatment by stage of lactation indicated that cows not stripped were more persistent. Cows in the stripped group had more mastitis as indicated by the higher Wisconsin Mastitis Test scores and greater amounts of milk discarded.