Title: CHANGES IN MILKING LINER PERFORMANCE WITH AGE
Abstract: The useful working life of the milking liner may be determined by how long milking performanceis sustained, any effects on the cows teat and the quality of milk collected. Working life isaffected by the type of liner in use, its response to use and cleaning chemicals. In Europe liners arerecommended for change usually after 2500 milkings, or a maximum of 6 months. Little obviousresearch data support this recommended life.<br><br>A uniform batch of milking liners produced from a single supply of synthetic rubber was aged forup to 6000 milkings by use in a commercial milking parlor. Periodically, a single cluster wasremoved and the milking performance tested in a controlled milking environment, using a singlegroup of 8 cows. The effect of liner age on average milk flow rate, peak milk flow rate,completion of milk removal and condition of the cows teats after milking were assessed. Thecomposition, shape, structural integrity and the mechanical properties of the liners weredetermined.<br><br>It is apparent that liner deterioration occurs gradually and that this has some measurable effects onmilking performance prior to 2500-milkings but does not induce any trauma to the teats within therecommended life of 2500 milkings. Statistically significant differences in liner performance areapparent by 3000-milkings of use. There is no obvious reason to change the recommended lengthof life of this type of milking liner. These determinations were made on one model of liner only.However, a large proportion of all liners in use are made from exactly the same material so thefindings have a broad application.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-11-14
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 7
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