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During development of milking machines it is important to be aware of the nature of the physiology of the milk let down process. As discussed above a good milking machine must empty the udder as efficiently as possible, milk with a proper teat stimulation and not cause damage to the teats. One way to satisfy these demands is to practice flow controlled milking.
During the first seconds of milking as well as during the end of milking the milk flow is low, reaching a value of a few hundred grams of milk per minute. During the high flow phase the milk flow reaches values typically of 3-6 kg milk per minute. The system vacuum level is usually kept at a constant level throughout milking. However, the ideal situation is a milking machine which is adapted to the variation in milk flow during the complete milking and to the different udder quarters. A good example is the DeLaval milking unit MU200D principle, which has a lower vacuum in the beginning and at the end of milking combined with a reduced pulsation speed. Another example is the DeLaval milking unit MU350 principle, where also vacuum levels and pulsations are adjusted to the milk flow. In the DeLaval milking unit MU350, the vacuum level is low, the pulsation frequencies are normally 50 cycles per minute and the ratio is adapted to give a longer massage phase (30:70) during the low flow phase. A flow controlled milking, which is directly "controlled by the cow" results in a more gentle treatment of the teats during the low milk flow. Also a kind of stimulation effect is reached, since the pulsation ratio and frequency are altered during low flow in a way simulating pre and post-stimulation, events which are observed during calf suckling.
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DeLaval milking unit MU350 milker is developed for stanchion barns. As mentioned above the principle of DeLaval milking unit MU350 milker is a flow-controlled milking, including the three different milking phases, pre-milking phase, milking phase and post-milking phase.
During the premilking phase the vacuum level is 33 kPa, pulsation ratio 30:70 with 50 cycles per minute. As soon as the milk flow is above limit (can be chosen between 200, 300 or 400 gr/min) the vacuum level is switched to the high level, pulsation ratio changed and rate too. If the milk flow doesn´t reach the limit for high flow within a certain time, DeLaval milking unit MU350 switches to milking phase automatically. This critical time can be adjusted to the demands from each individual herd. The post milking phase starts when the milk flow is below the preset limit. The length of the post milking phase can vary between five and 30 seconds depending on the predetermined value. If the high milk flow returns within five seconds DeLaval milking unit MU350 switches back to milking phase. The benefit of this type of controlled milking is a more gentle milking.
The principal of the DeLaval milking unit MU350.
The pulsator used in DeLaval milking unit MU350 concept is an electronically controlled pulsator. This kind of device ensures an exact and safe pulsation for a fast milk extraction and good udder health.
DeLaval milking unit MU350 provides the farmer with actual milking data on a display. Information about milking time, milk flow and milk yield is indicated. The data can be used as a tool for feed control and indication of variations in milk yield due to oestrous or disease.
DeLaval milking unit MU350 concept is also provided with a device for good ergonomy. A unique automatic cluster remover has been developed. Instead of a vacuum (remover) cylinder a vacuum controlled motor is used for the automatic removal. This device is easy to handle and carry.
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The ALPRO milking system can control the milking according to the DeLaval milking unit MU350 /Delaval milking unit MU200D concept. Milk flow as well as milk yield is measured with the DeLaval milk meter MM15. The milk meter is an electronic meter, which received official ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording) approval in 1990. TheDeLaval milk meter MM15 milk meter and the automatic identification system are two of the basic components for ALPRO system.
The great benefits with the ALPRO system are its unique possibilities for a complete management system.
ALPRO is a tool for a complete herd management.
Farmers have the possibility to collect data from each individual milking and from these data adapt the feeding of concentrate for each individual cow. Furthermore, it is possible through the identification system to control feed consumption. The ALPRO system is a tool for a complete herd management.
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The Harmony cluster (unit) was developed in order to find a liner that would allow a significant reduction of the total weight of the milking cluster, and subsequently, to improve the working conditions for the milkers. Demands were also placed on improved milking performance and teat treatment. The result was a cluster with reduced weight of 43%, where the teat treatment and the vacuum stability beneath the teat were improved and the risks for cross contamination reduced. The development work with such a milking unit succeeded in implementing all factors improving milking performance, ergonomics and udder health. The Harmony milking units are also used in the DeLaval milking unit and ALPRO Systems.
Harmony the milking cluster with unique features.
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