The effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without a latency period, on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows

The Association of Delayed Milk Ejection with Milking Performance in Holstein Cows in a Large Dairy Herd with Suboptimal Premilking Teat Stimulation

“…This theory is supported by data from Bruckmaier and Blum (1996), who found that cows that did not receive premilking stimulation exhibited bimodality and increased milking duration, but no significant decrease in milk yield [ 4 ]. It is also in accordance with data from our own group showing that a short stimulation duration or lag time led to higher odds of bimodality and an increased milking unit-on time but did not negatively affect milk yield [ 1 , 2 ]. There still is a possibility that observed differences in MAMF could be due to decreased milk yield, as suggested by findings from previous observational studies showing an association between DME and decreased milk yield [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…In our previous studies [ 1 , 23 ], we also observed lower odds of DME in multiparous cows compared to primiparous ones, attributing this to the larger teat and gland cistern size in multiparous cows, as reported by other authors [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The increased odds of DME in late-lactation cows (>200 DIM) may be attributable to a reduced level of udder filling during this stage.…”

“…These alterations of the teat circulatory system have been associated with an increased risk of intramammary infection [ 27 ], increased SCC [ 28 ], and decreased animal well-being [ 29 ]. This theory is further supported by previous work showing that an increased duration of a low milk flow rate was associated with increased risk of machine milking-induced short-term teat tissue changes (STCs) [ 1 ]. Teats affected by STC are more open and penetrable, which leads to a higher risk of new intramammary infections [ 30 ].…”

“…Adequate premilking teat stimulation is critical to facilitate an efficient milk harvest and minimize the impact of the milking machine on the teat tissue condition [ 1 , 2 ]. Premilking teat stimulation is composed of the tactile stimulation of the teat and the timing of the milking unit attachment [ 3 ].…”