Stimulation time during the milking process is crucial for promoting fast and complete milk removal. When the udder is stimulated, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the milk let down quickly.
Experts recommend providing 60 seconds of stimulation before the main milking process begins. This optimal stimulation time helps initiate milk letdown and reduce "dead time" - the period between attaching the milking machine and the start of milk flow.
However, several factors can increase the risk of delayed milk ejection. The most common issues are not giving enough stimulation before milking and not waiting long enough before starting to milk.
Researchers suggest:
- Provide 30-60 seconds of stimulation before milking
- For udders that are not very full, longer stimulation of 90 seconds can be helpful
- Even for very full udders, at least 20 seconds of stimulation is still recommended
Other studies found that stripping the teats before milking did not directly impact milk flow or yield. But it's important to wait a short time, no more than 2 minutes, between teat stimulation and attaching the milking unit. This allows enough oxytocin to build up in the blood to activate the cells in the udder properly.
Factors like smaller herd size, fewer pre-milking routine visits per cow, and longer latency periods can all contribute to inadequate teat stimulation. Milking cultures prioritizing efficiency over speed may lead to better pre-milking stimulation practices.
Proper 60-second stimulation can reduce dead time and shorten the overall milking duration, especially during morning milkings when the udder is fuller.
However, the effect may be less pronounced during evening milkings with shorter intervals between sessions. Controlling stimulation time is key for improving milking efficiency by ensuring faster milk letdown and reducing total milking time - an important consideration for automated milking systems. Taking the time to stimulate cows properly can pay off in better milk production and udder health.
The sources:
Herd-level variables associated with delayed milk ejection in Michigan dairy herds
Herd-level variables associated with premilking stimulation time in Michigan dairy herds
Effect of mechanical premilking stimulation on milking duration in late lactation
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