Robotic milking and milk quality: effects on bacterial counts, somatic cell counts, freezing point and free fatty acids

Abstract

Changes in milk quality after the introduction of automatic milking systems (AM-systems) on dairy farms in The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark were examined and the data were compared with milk quality results of farms with conventional milking technology. After introduction, a small, but significant increase in total bacterial count, somatic cell count, freezing point and free fatty acids was observed. The highest levels for total plate count and cell count are found in the first six months after introduction. After this period the milk quality slightly improves to a more stable level. Risk factors related with milk quality concern general farm characteristics, animal health, AM-system, cleaning and cooling, housing, management skills of the farmer and the hygiene on the farm. Total plate count was significantly related to milk yield of the herd, cleaning of the area around the AM-system and the overall hygiene on the farm. Bulk milk somatic cell count appeared to be significantly related to milk yield of the herd and the number of milkings before replacement of the liners. An increased milking frequency is not the only explanation of increased free fatty acid levels. Technical factors related to free fatty acids mainly concerned the air inlet in the teat cups, bubbling (excessive air inlet) and a too long post run time of the milk pump. However, several questions regarding the causes of increased free fatty acid levels remained unclear.

Quality of raw milk from a farm with automatic milking system in the Czech Republic

“…They have reported a higher milk fat content (4.43% vs 4.37%) and higher milk protein content (3.49% vs 3.42%) before the introduction of AMS. Klungel et al (2000), de Koning et al (2003) and Abeni et al (2005) also found milk from AMS to be higher in free fatty acids (FFA). Abeni et al (2005) have reported milk from AMS to have less natural creaming.…”

“…Wade et al (2004) found the milk yield to be 12.4% higher, but others such as Billon and Touraine (2002) have observed, in contrast, milk yield reduction. Klungel et al (2000), Rasmussen et al (2002), de Koning et al (2003, Svennersten-Sjaunja and Pettersson (2008) have reported AMS to have negative effects on milk indicators such as increase in the freezing point, in the total microbial count, in the free fatty acid content or in the somatic cell count. Klei et al (1997) have found more frequent milking in AMS (3 times a day) to result in lower milk fat and protein contents.…”

Ordenha robotizada de vacas leiteiras: uma revisão

“…Segundo Klei et al (1997), o fato da ordenha robotizada aumentar a frequência de ordenha pode explicar o aumento nos ácidos graxos livres no leite, pois as vacas ordenhadas mais vezes aumentam a produção e, consequentemente, aumentam a mobilização de tecido adiposo corporal. Koning et al (2009) avaliaram 262 fazendas na Holanda, Alemanha e Dinamarca, entre os anos de 1997 a 2001 e concluíram que, após a introdução do sistema robotizado, houve um aumento de ácidos graxos livres (0,39 para 0,57 Meq/100 g gordura).…”

“…Kruip et al (2002) também observaram aumento da CCS em fazendas da Holanda após a implantação da ordenha robotizada, porém, não foi observado diferença na CCS quanto a frequência de ordenha foi aumentada de duas para três vezes ao dia. Em outro estudo, realizado em 262 fazendas na Alemanha, Holanda e Dinamarca, foi avaliada a qualidade do leite em sistemas de ordenha convencional e robotizada e foi observado que, após a introdução do sistema robotizado, houve aumento na CCS (170.000 para 204.000 células/ mL) e contagem bacteriana total (7.000 para 13.000 unidades formadoras de colônia /mL) (Koning et al, 2009).…”

Assessment of cleanness of environmental surfaces in cattle barns and piggeries

“…Assessment of cleanness of environmental surfaces in animal houses has not very often been studied. The main aim of this survey is to review detection methods of cleanability, because farm hygienic measures are important criteria for the safety and quality of both meat (Berends et al 1996, Maw et al 2001, Wong Lo Fo et al 2002, Andersen et al 2005) and milk (de Koning et al 2003, Hanus et al 2004, Skrzypek 2006, Trevisi et al 2006. Studies including detection and measurements of cleanness in cattle barns and piggeries are examined, and the importance of hygiene and the methodological knowledge obtained in these studies are discussed.…”