Milking Frequency as Related to Udder Health and Milk Production

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Abstract
Cows (24) each in 2 trials were paired on age, stage of lactation and projected milk production to compare the incidence of mastitis with milking 2 or 3 times/day over 12 wk. Teats of all cows were dipped daily in a suspension of Streptococcus agalactiae (1 of 2 strains). Average daily milk production for the combined trials was 24.0 kg for the thrice daily group and 22.0 kg for the twice daily group. Quarter foremilk samples were taken every 2 wk for somatic cell counts and bacterial isolations. Somatic cell counts of cows milked twice per day averaged 31 .times. 103/ml compared to 26 .times. 103 for 3 milkings. There were no significant differences in numbers of new bacterial infections between groups. Cows milked twice per day had 41 new infections and 7 clinical infections and the 3-time group had 39 new infections and 2 clinical infections. The many corynebacteria infections were related to the experimental design in which no disinfectant teat dip was used. Three milkings per day did not affect udder health.