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In India, where dairy production leads globally, infrared thermography (IRT) and short milking tube thermography specifically are vital for managing mastitis. Therefore, the present study focuses on thermal imaging of the udder and short milking tube (SMT) of the milking machine during the peak milking process of Sahiwal cows and Murrah buffaloes during winter, summer, rainy and autumn seasons to identify sub-clinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) cases using the Darvi DTL007 camera. The udder health was assessed using the California Mastitis Test, Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and IRT throughout the year. Log10SCC and thermogram analysis revealed a difference (p < 0.01) between healthy, SCM, and CM cases during different seasons in both breeds. Further results showed an increase (p < 0.01) in SMT thermograms of SCM and CM cases compared to healthy quarters in Sahiwal cows during winter, summer, rainy, and autumn were 4.26 and 7.51, 2.37 and 4.47, 2.20 and 3.64, 2.90 and 4.94 ºC, respectively and for Murrah buffaloes were 3.56 and 5.55, 2.70 and 3.81, 1.72 and 3.10, 3.14 and 4.42ºC, respectively. The highest degree of increase in milking udder skin surface temperature and SMT of SCM and CM cases compared to healthy quarters was observed during the winter and the least during the rainy season. Thus, regardless of the seasons examined in this study, SMT thermograms effectively assessed SCM and CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The performance of milking machines, whether in conventional or automated systems, can be evaluated using new-generation vacuum meters (dynamic testing). Access to data from these tests on automatic milking systems (AMSs) from various manufacturers and herds enabled the design of a retrospective study aimed at describing and comparing key milk emission parameters for different AMS brands, while also identifying potential mastitis risk factors. In total, 4878 individual quarter milkings were evaluated from cows in 48 different dairy herds. The findings revealed that factors such as milk yield and brand significantly influenced the variability of milking parameters. These results suggest that the interaction between AMSs and cows, along with the related milk emission physiology, plays a crucial role, similar to conventional milking. The observed differences in main milking parameters also correspond to parameters considered to predispose cows to mastitis. The most surprising result was the high frequency of two major mastitis risk factors (bimodality and irregular vacuum fluctuations). Automatic milking systems (AMSs) are revolutionizing the dairy industry by boosting herd efficiency, primarily through an increased milk yield per cow and reduced labor costs. The performance of milking machines, whether traditional or automated, can be evaluated using advanced vacuum meters through dynamic testing. This process involves scrutinizing the system and milking routine to identify critical points, utilizing the VaDia™ logger (BioControl AS, Rakkestad, Norway). Vacuum recordings were downloaded and analyzed using the VaDia Suite™ software under the guidance of a milking specialist. Access to data from AMSs across various manufacturers and herds facilitated a retrospective study aimed at describing and comparing key milk emission parameters for different AMS brands while identifying potential mastitis risk factors. Using the proper statistical procedures of SPSS 29.1 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), researchers analyzed data from 4878 individual quarter milkings from cows in 48 dairy herds. Results indicated a significant variability in milking parameters associated with quarter milk yield and AMS brand. Notably, despite AMSs standardizing teat preparation and stimulation, this study revealed a surprisingly high frequency of two major mastitis risk factors—bimodality and irregular vacuum fluctuations—occurring more frequently than in conventional milking systems. This study, one of the few comparing different AMS brands and their performance, highlights the crucial role of dynamic testing in evaluating AMS performance under real-world conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is one of the most expensive diseases of dairy animals and subclinical mastitis occupies the major proportion of mastitis. Prevalence of mastitis is highly dependent upon type of breed, climatic and housing conditions, management practices, stage of lactation, etc. and hence a study was conducted to screen the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM), associated risk factors, and prevalent pathogens in small backyard and large organized dairy units in four districts in the west coast of India. A total of 240 cattle were screened for subclinical mastitis and milk samples from SCM cases were screened for the presence of major mastitis-associated pathogens. Information on managemental practices was collected and risk factors were analyzed statistically. The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was 9.93% (27/272) and 30.83% (74/240), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, E coli, and Bacillus spp. were the major pathogens isolated from SCM cases. The study revealed that SCM is highly prevalent in dairy farms of coastal districts and higher in crossbred than the indigenous cattle. The absence of regular shed cleaning and the use of milking machines were significantly associated with higher SCM prevalence. Post-milking iodine teat dip was carried out by 27.5% and 88.89% of the small and large farmers and none of the farmers had adopted dry cow therapy. Around 10.0% of small farmers and 77.78% of the large farmers used milking machines. The high prevalence of SCM shows the need for active surveillance programs and the application of preventive measures in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Cow–calf contact (CCC) rearing is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the common practice of early separation of cow and calf in dairy management. Milkability can be impaired in nursing cows, which contributes to the loss of machine milk yield caused by calf intake, especially in pure dam–calf contact (DCC) systems. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the current status quo of DCC rearing regarding management and milking and (2) to evaluate the effects of DCC (suckling and milking vs. milking alone) and the effects of different types of DCC on milkability parameters, teat condition, and behavior during milking on Swiss DCC farms. By means of 17 telephone interviews with DCC farmers, we collected data on DCC management, housing, separation and weaning processes, milking procedures and techniques, and perceived milkability problems. Subsequently, we collected data on 10 of the interviewed DCC farms (183 cows): 4 DCC farms with a whole-day contact (WDC) system, 3 farms with DCC before milking (CBM), and 3 farms with DCC after milking (CAM). Five farms on which calves had no contact with dams were chosen as reference farms (178 cows). Using a milk flow meter, the occurrence of ejection disorders, bimodality of the milk flow curve, machine milk yield, duration of the decline phase, and duration of prestimulation were measured. The average mouthpiece chamber vacuum during the main milking phase and hind leg activity during milking were measured using a pressure sensor and an accelerometer, respectively. After cluster removal, the teat condition was evaluated, and a stripping milk sample was taken for fat content analysis. The interview results revealed that 8 of the 17 farms surveyed had a WDC system, and 2 farms operated a daytime DCC system. Contact before milking was applied by 3 farms, and 3 farms allowed CAM. On one farm, calves had access to dams 3 times a day. A great diversity in cow–calf management was found. In the on-farm data collection, 20 milkings of a total of 701 milkings examined met the criteria for a clear ejection disorder, with 17 of these observations occurring on WDC farms and none on reference farms. The stripping milk fat content was lower in nursing cows, indicating a lower degree of udder emptying. Machine milk yield was higher in nursing CAM cows than in nursing WDC and CBM cows. Farm types did not differ regarding teat condition, hind leg activity, or the occurrence of bimodal milk flow curves. In conclusion, the large variation in individual management approaches to DCC rearing even within DCC types, such as calf housing or cow breeds, implies caution when interpreting results. Contact after milking may be the system most beneficial for some productivity parameters, but adequate calf supply must be ensured. Higher amounts of milk remaining in the udder after cluster removal indicate that nursing can affect milkability, but future research should consider the effects of udder filling before milking to better interpret the fat content of stripping milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtain a nonlinear second-order differential equation that describes forced vibrations in a milking machine. Approximate analytical solutions of the obtained differential equations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When milking machines were introduced on Swedish farms during the first half of the twentieth century, milking and taking care of cows had long been women's responsibility, and adult men seldom entered the cowshed. As dairying became a commercial operation and the number and yield of cows increased, farm wives, daughters, maidservants, and hired milkmaids continued to perform this work. By the end of World War I, however, so many young women had left the countryside that farmers had difficulty hiring enough milkmaids. When milking machinery became available, it promised to save labor and do the job more effectively than milking by hand. At the same time, adult men entered the cowshed and milked alongside women. But how were these simultaneous changes connected? This study analyzes advertisements for milking machinery in Sweden's most popular farm weekly. Manufacturers deliberately associated machine milking with images of masculinity. In the 1920s and 1930s, ads emphasized that both men and women could milk by machine. By the 1940s and 1950s, the ads depicted milking in an ungendered way, as a depersonalized technical process that was neither manly nor womanly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Cow-calf contact has been suggested as an alternative to the common practice of early separation of dairy cow and calf. Increasing cow-calf contact poses challenges by reducing the machine milk yield and increasing separation stress. Part-time cow-calf contact may prove more feasible than full-time contact for farmers but may affect the maternal behavior of the cows. Gradually reducing the daily contact could gradually wean the calf off milk, preparing it for separation. This study aims to investigate (1) how cows' maternal behaviors toward their own calf are affected by part-time contact, and (2) whether calves' suckling behavior is reduced by reducing daily cow contact. Fifty-six dairy cows and their calves were assigned to either full-time (23 h/d) or part-time (10 h/d) cow-calf contact for 7 wk (main rearing period). This was followed by 2 wk of either reduced contact (50% in wk 8, then 25% of original contact time in wk 9) or unchanged contact. First, the maternal behavior of full- and part-time cows was observed for 24 h in the third week of the main rearing period. Part-time cows spent less time nursing and grooming their own calf than full-time cows did. However, the amount of nursing in the inverse parallel position and the probability of a cow nursing a calf other than her own did not differ between the 2 treatments. Second, calf suckling behavior was observed for 24 h in both weeks of the reduced contact period. Averaged across both observations, total suckling time (i.e., time spent suckling any cow) was lower in part-time calves that experienced reduced contact compared with part-time calves with unchanged contact. In wk 9, time spent suckling only the dam was lower for full-time calves with reduced contact compared with part-time calves with unchanged contact. In conclusion, although we found a lower nursing and grooming time in part-time cows compared with full-time, we found no difference between treatments with regard to nursing in the inverse parallel position and nursing a calf other than the cow's own. The effect of gradually reducing cow-calf contact on calves' suckling time requires more research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear scores and measures of both udder and teat shape and size (thirteen traits) were assessed in 83 ewes of Improved Valachian breed (IV) and in crossbreds with East Friesian breed (EF 25% or EF 50%). At the same time, cistern measures and cross-section areas (fourteen traits) as well as milk yield and milkability were scanned using ultrasound technique or measured in the same individuals (130 measurements in each trait). Crossbreds with EF 50% had the largest udders in terms of depth, width, and height, as determined by either a nine-point linear score or exact measurements. Additionally, these crossbreds had teats that were more horizontally placed and the most appropriate udder attachment and shape. more horizontally and most appropriate udder attachment and shape. Ultrasound scans revealed that the areas of both the left and right udder cisterns scanned by ultrasound were the highest in EF 50% crosses. Overall cistern cross-section areas scanned from the side were 2934.6 mm² in IV, 2932.6 mm² in crosses of EF 25% and 3559.4 mm² in crosses of EF 50% (P<0.05). Crossbreds of EF 50% had more appropriate machine milked milk and total milk yield (311.1 and 424.7 ml) than purebred IV (231.8 and 336.1 ml; P>0.05). On average, the proportion of machine-stripped milk was 33.2%, and non-significant influence of genotype was shown. Furthermore, all traits under study showed nonsignificant differences between crosses of EF 25% and 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Precision livestock farming technologies, such as automatic milk feeding machines, have increased the availability of on-farm data collected from dairy operations. We analyzed feeding records from automatic milk feeding machines to evaluate the genetic background of milk feeding traits and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in North American Holstein calves. Data from 10,076 preweaning female Holstein calves were collected daily over a period of 6 yr (3 yr included per-visit data), and daily milk consumption (DMC), per-visit milk consumption (PVMC), daily sum of drinking duration (DSDD), drinking duration per-visit, daily number of rewarded visits (DNRV), and total number of visits per day were recorded over a 60-d preweaning period. Additional traits were derived from these variables, including total consumption and duration variance (TCV and TDV), feeding interval, drinking speed (DS), and preweaning stayability. A single BRD-related trait was evaluated, which was the number of times a calf was treated for BRD (NTT). The NTT was determined by counting the number of BRD incidences before 60 d of age. All traits were analyzed using single-step genomic BLUP mixed-model equations and fitting either repeatability or random regression models in the BLUPF90+ suite of programs. A total of 10,076 calves with phenotypic records and genotypic information for 57,019 SNP after the quality control were included in the analyses. Feeding traits had low heritability estimates based on repeatability models (0.006 ± 0.0009 to 0.08 ± 0.004). However, total variance traits using an animal model had greater heritabilities of 0.21 ± 0.023 and 0.23 ± 0.024, for TCV and TDV, respectively. The heritability estimates increased with the repeatability model when using only the first 32 d preweaning (e.g., PVMC = 0.040 ± 0.003, DMC = 0.090 ± 0.009, DSDD = 0.100 ± 0.005, DS = 0.150 ± 0.007, DNRV = 0.020 ± 0.002). When fitting random regression models (RRM) using the full dataset (60-d period), greater heritability estimates were obtained (e.g., PVMC = 0.070 [range: 0.020, 0.110], DMC = 0.460 [range: 0.050, 0.680], DSDD = 0.180 [range: 0.010, 0.340], DS = 0.19 [range: 0.070, 0.430], DNRV = 0.120 [range: 0.030, 0.450]) for the majority of the traits, suggesting that RRM capture more genetic variability than the repeatability model with better fit being found for RRM. Moderate negative genetic correlations of −0.59 between DMC and NTT were observed, suggesting that automatic milk feeding machines records have the potential to be used for genetically improving disease resilience in Holstein calves. The results from this study provide key insights of the genetic background of early in-life traits in dairy cattle, which can be used for selecting animals with improved health outcomes and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive technology that is of interest both for diagnosing mastitis and describing possible interactions between milking machine liners and teat tissue in cows. Very little was known about these applications in dairy goats, although this species is increasingly affected by mastitis, which is not only of infectious origin. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the thermal responses of teats to the milking machine in goats with different levels of udder inflammation. IRT fails to detect mastitis early in goats and cannot be used for prophylactic purposes in goats. IRT measurements were influenced by milking, and the results differed between unbalanced glands and different teat shapes, indicating differences in the interaction of the machine with the teat tissue. The IRT, therefore, appears to be a good instrument for measuring the effects of the milking machine. In the future, it could help to better adapt the machine equipment and settings to the animals and improve the efficiency and well-being of the animals. There is a need to develop tools for mastitis management in goats and to measure the effects of milking machines on teats. Infrared thermography (IRT), as shown in cows, was a good candidate for early mastitis detection and focusing on milking equipment and settings implicated in potential problems. The aim of this study was to test IRT to detect udder inflammation and the effects of mechanical milking on teats in relation to inflammation status, udder balance, and teat shape in Alpine goats. IRT spectra were compared before and after milking in 551 goats from three commercial herds compared to their individual SCC (somatic cell count). We found no regression or trend between logSCC and IRT measurement or response to milking, even in highly inflamed goat udders. The effect of milking was significant (p < 0.05) with global temperature reduction after milking, but differences were seen between teat parts and unbalanced half udders. The highest reduction in skin temperature was observed at the teat orifice (−1.06 ± 0.05) and the lowest at the teat barrel (−0.37 ± 0.05). The teats with long barrels showed more IRT reactions, which clearly indicates poor adaptation to the liners used. In conclusion, the IRT was not able to detect mastitis, but it is a good tool to diagnose the effects of the milking machine in order to adapt milking equipment and settings to the goats and improve their welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-farm milk flow meter technology facilitates real-time assessment of individual cow milking observations and could be used to detect milking liner slips during machine milking of dairy cows. Here, we compared the accuracy of on-farm milk flow meters for detecting milking liner slips with that of audible detection and that of a portable vacuum recording system. Compared to audible detection methods, the on-farm milk flow meter facilitated the detection of milking liner slips with moderate accuracy. Using the vacuum recording system as the gold standard, the milk flow meter system failed to detect most of the liner slips, leading to poor agreement between the two devices. We conclude that the on-farm milk flow meter system tested here compared well with audible detection; however, when vacuum recordings were considered, we found significant levels of under-detection. Taken together, dairy operators may use the on-farm milk flow meter system to inform adjustments of the milking machine settings and monitor milking routine performance. However, the system is not suitable for monitoring short-duration vacuum fluctuations. Future research is warranted to optimize the sensor-based detection of milking liner slips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of 2 different premilking stimulation regimens, with and without a latency period between tactile stimulation and the attachment of the milking unit, on the teat tissue condition and milking performance of dairy cows. In a randomized controlled crossover study, 145 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily were assigned to treatment (TRT) or control (CON) groups. Premilking udder preparation for the TRT group consisted of the application of a latency period resulting in a preparation lag time of 90 s. The only difference in the premilking udder preparation of the CON group was the absence of latency period; the milking unit was attached immediately after completion of the tactile stimulation. The average duration of total tactile stimulation in TRT and CON group was 8 ± 2 and 9 ± 2 s, respectively. The study lasted for 14 d and was split into 2 periods, each consisting of a 2-d adjustment period followed by 5 d of data collection. We assessed machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue by palpation and visual inspection postmilking. Electronic on-farm milk meters were used to assess milking characteristics (milk yield [kg/milking session], machine-on time [s], 2-min milk yield [kg], and duration of low milk flow rate [s]). Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of treatment on the outcome variables. The odds of machine milking-induced short-term changes to the teat tissue were lower for cows that received a 90-s preparation lag time (TRT cows) compared with cows in the CON group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval; 95% CI] = 0.13 [0.08–0.20]). The least squares means (95% CI) values of cows in the TRT and CON groups were 15.4 (14.9–15.9) and 15.3 (14.8–15.8) kg, respectively, for milk yield, and 246 (239–253) and 253 (247–260) s for machine-on time. The 2-min milk yield was higher for the TRT compared with CON group cows at all the parity levels. The 2-min milk yields of animals in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3 were 5.7, 5.7, and 6.5 kg, respectively, in the TRT group and 4.6, 5.0, and 5.9 kg in the CON group. The TRT cows spent less time in low milk flow rate compared with CON cows at all parity levels. The durations of low milk flow rate of cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3 in the TRT group were 19, 17 and 13 s, respectively, and those in the CON group were 31, 22, and 15 s. In this study, cows that received a latency period, and thus were subjected to a 90-s preparation lag time had lower odds of exhibiting short-term changes to the teat tissue after machine milking, shorter machine-on time, higher 2-min milk yields, and lower durations of low milk flow rates. We conclude that consideration of latency period leading to a 90-s preparation lag time in the premilking stimulation regimen facilitated cows' milk-ejection reflex. This latency period can alleviate the adverse effects of vacuum-induced forces on teat tissue during machine milking, improve udder health, and promote animal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This controlled study compared the effects of 2 different gradual debonding strategies on machine milk yield, flow, and composition in a cow-driven cow-calf contact (CCC) system with automatic milking. Cows had 24 h/d access to their calves during the first weeks of lactation. In the long debonding (LDB) treatment (n = 16), a gradual reduction of cows' access to their calves was initiated 4 wk after calving over a total period of 28 d; first to 12 h/d (14 d), and then to 6 h/d (14 d). In the short debonding (SDB) treatment (n = 14), gradual reduction was initiated 6.5 wk after calving over a total period of 10 d; first to 12 h/d (5 d), and then to 6 h/d (5 d). From 6 h/d, access was finally reduced to 0 h/d for 7 d for both treatments. Machine milk yield, somatic cell count, and peak and average milk flow were automatically registered at milking. During the 9-wk study period, composite samples were analyzed for milk composition. Data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models. Results showed that machine milk yield during 24 h/d access varied between cows (range 1.2–49.9 kg/d, average ± standard deviation 13.2 ± 7.82 kg/d). The LDB cows had a higher daily machine milk yield than SDB cows at the end of and after access reduction was completed (+5.0 ± 1.63 and +5.1 ± 1.55 kg during the last 5 d of 6 h/d access, and 0 h/d access, respectively). Somatic cell count was on a healthy level, with no difference between treatments. Milk fat content increased with reduction in access, regardless of treatment. Short debonding cows tended to show higher milk protein content and lower milk lactose content than cows with a longer debonding. This study has shown that a longer debonding initiated earlier may give a higher milk yield in the short term. The variation in machine milk yield may indicate differences in milk ejection, suckling, and visiting patterns and preferences among cows. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting rural women in adoption of innovations about livestock production in TRA1 Region (Erzurum, Erzincan and Bayburt Provinces). In the study, the data were collected by 158 questionnaires conducted on women actively involved in agricultural activities in 60 villages within the boundaries of 15 districts of Erzurum, Erzincan and Bayburt Provinces. According to the Logistic Regression (LOGIT) Analysis, it has been determined that younger women who have higher education levels, own more animal and larger land, visit city center more often, watch TV, and reside in urban areas, tend to be more willing to adopt innovations such as artificial insemination, milking machine, milking hygiene, and organic agriculture. As a result, priority should be given to training activities for development in rural areas. On the other hand, training programs on special subjects should be organized for women, cooperations and associations should be established and social security services should be provided to support women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed one Holstein- Friesian dairy farm using two types of milking technologies. One of them is a parallel milking parlour (2x8), where 200 cows are milked twice a day. The other part of the animals (500 cows) is milked with robotic milking machine. The average daily milking frequency is 2.8. We processed data from nearly 700 cows. Based on the two different milking technologies, we formed two groups for the calculations. We collected daily milk production (kg/day), milk protein (%/kg), milk fat (%/kg) and somatic cell count (SCC) (cell number/cm3) data, based on a monthly test-day. Each month, there was significantly more milk production for robotic milking (P<5%). In the 2nd month of lactation, at the time of peak production, the average milk production of the animals was 43 kg and 37 kg, respectively. The milk protein content was higher in conventional milking, because less milk is more concentrated. At months 2, 3, 4, and 11 of lactation, the difference was significant. In the month of peak production (month 2): 3.27 and 3.22 (milk protein %). Milk fat% was higher in conventional milking only in months 2 and 3 of lactation, however, this level was significantly higher in the second half of lactation in addition to robotic milking. The somatic cell count of milk was lower each month for robotic milking. This difference was significant for the first 11 months. At 3 months of lactation: 140,000 (AMS) and 220,000 (CMS) (number of cells/cm3) (P<5%). Based on our results, we can conclude that significantly more milk and milk fat can be produced and significantly less the SCC with the robot milking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed an online near-infrared spectrometer for measuring cow milk quality indicators, such as fat, protein, and lactose, solids not fat, and somatic cell count. Milk samples were obtained from 24 Holstein cows and analyzed using an automatic milking system. The system demonstrated high accuracy for predicting each's cow milk quality every 20 s during milking and at one milking time, allowing dairy farmers to improve farm management and produce high-quality milk. This precision dairy farming system could help dairy farmers overcome individual cow management issues and achieve high-quality milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to verify the influence of different milking machine setting parameters on Italian Mediterranean buffalo milking performance. Data on milking machine settings (Milking Dry Tests [MDTs]) and milk Test-day (TD) were collected by the Italian Breeders Association (AIA). Data for each TD consisted of milk yield (MY), fat percentage (FP), protein percentage (PP), lactose percentage (LP) and linear score (LS). Working vacuum level (VL), pulsation ratio (PR), automatic cluster removal system (AC) and effective vacuum reserve (EVR) were recorded from each MDT. A total of 558 MDTs, 217,967 TD, collected from 43,593 buffaloes in 198 buffalo farms were utilised. MDT, TD and Animal data (AD) were analysed through a mixed linear model and a logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between VL and EVR. Analysis of MY and quality revealed that an incorrect setting of the milking was responsible for a higher LS and lower MY and LP, along with higher FP and PP compared to farms with adequate EVR. Except for PP, the height of the milking system significantly influenced all milk parameters. Conversely, VL affected all milking traits. A higher PR (70:30) was responsible for significantly lower LS and higher FP compared to a 60:40 PR. Similarly, the presence of AC showed a significant effect on FP and MY and a slight reduction in LS. Finally, the diameter and length of the pipeline (DL) ratio lower than 2.5 m was associated with a decrease in LS. These results suggest that buffaloes require specific milking parameters. Buffalo has a specific requirement for milking parameters. Incorrect milking setting increase somatic cells and reduce lactose content. Vacuum level (VL) affects milk yield (MY) and quality as well as somatic cells and lactose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milking machines are an important element of the livestock sector, which is one of the main activities of the countries. Milking machines have become a part of the life of livestock keepers. Such equipment can be considered as applications of mechanical engineering on the livestock sector. Especially livestock enterprises are going through a difficult process in supplying such machines with optimum features and maximum benefit. In terms of productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of livestock sector enterprises, decision-making processes should be scientific. With this perspective, in this study, the problem of determining the optimum milking machine was evaluated with Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods. In the study, six different milking machines were analyzed with two different MCDM methods according to eight criteria. In this frame, the criterion weights of the related decision problem were calculated by the MACBETH method. Moreover, MACBETH and Gray Relational Analysis (GIA) methods were used separately to determine the most suitable milking machine. Furthermore, rankings obtained+- by different methods were tested with Spearman Rank Correlation Analysis and the result was found to be highly positive. The results of the study were shared with the decision makers. Besides, academic, and sectoral suggestions were made for future studies on similar topics.

The objectives of this observational cohort study were to assess the effect of body condition score change, back fat depth change, and muscle diameter change on the time to commencement of luteal activity and first estrus in commercial pedigree Holstein cows. A total of 140 of 200 commercial pedigree Holstein cows were enrolled in one dairy herd in Somerset, UK, over 52 wk in 2021 to 2022. The herd used 4 automatic milking machines with in-line progesterone measurement capability to determine commencement of luteal activity and time to first estrus. Cows were followed until at least 60 d postpartum, and milk progesterone was measured daily starting from 10 DIM. Body condition scoring and ultrasound measurements of back fat depth and longissimus dorsi muscle diameter were performed on cows twice, within 7 d of both calving and 60 DIM. Other explanatory variables assessed included parity, 60-d and 305-d milk yield, and subclinical ketosis (β-hydroxybutryate ≥1.2 mmol/L). Occurrence of clinical disease <60 DIM was forced into all models as a binary variable. Data were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportionate survival analyses. Muscle loss was associated with commencement of luteal activity and time to first estrus. A reduction in muscle diameter by 1.5 to 5 mm was associated with the shortest time to the start of luteal activity and first estrus. A reduction in muscle diameter >8 mm was associated with the longest times to luteal activity and first estrus. In addition to being affected by muscle loss, commencement of luteal activity was delayed by subclinical ketosis, clinical disease, and failure to gain body condition to 60 DIM. Cows that had a BCS loss of 0.25 or more between calving and 60 DIM were at least 52 ± 22% less likely to have commenced luteal activity compared with those that gained BCS. Interestingly, cows that had no change in body condition score commenced luteal activity later than those that gained body condition score. Muscle loss was associated with time to first estrus irrespective of clinical disease status. Cows that lost >8 mm of muscle diameter showed estrus behavior later than cows that lost 1.5 to 5 mm. In conclusion, our findings indicate that extensive muscle loss postpartum was associated with a delayed start to luteal activity and first estrus, irrespective of body condition change, clinical disease, and subclinical ketosis. Marginal muscle loss and a gain in body condition, however, were associated with an earlier start to luteal activity and first estrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of two different machine milking vacuum levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk and the hygiene of mammary glands in ewes, when administered vitamin E and selenium (Se). The results indicated that the chemical composition of milk was not affected by the vacuum level, but the supplementation of vitamin E and Se had a positive influence on milk quality. Milk yield was notably increased with the 46 kPa vacuum level (high vacuum level). Furthermore, the supplementation of vitamin E and Se reduced the somatic cell count (SCC), which indicated better mammary gland health status at both vacuum levels. Significant differences in total bacterial count (TBC) between the vacuum levels were not observed, regardless of vitamin E and Se administration. In conclusion, the study suggests that increased vacuum level can improve milk yields and the supplementation of animal diets with vitamin E and Se has a positive impact on milk quality as well as on reducing SCC and improving the hygiene of machine milked ewes' mammary glands. The aim of this research was to study the effect of two machine milking vacuum levels on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk and mammary gland hygiene of ewes, when vitamin E and Se were administrated supplementarily. The experiment was conducted at the Vlasti Research Station in the Greek province of West Macedonia. Ninety-six ewes of the Mountainous Greek sheep breed were used. Animals were separated in four equal groups of 24 ewes per group. A 2 × 2 factorial design was applied, with two milking vacuum levels (38 kPa and 46 kPa) and two rations, one supplemented with vitamin E (300 I.U.) and Se (3 mg/kg DM feed) and one without any vitamin E and Se supplementation. Six test days were assigned (evening and morning milkings) at 14-day intervals, from April to July. Following milk yield control, milk samples were collected for chemical composition and somatic cell count (SCC) determination. At the end of milking of each lot, the milk from the terminal receiver of the milking machine was received for the evaluation of total bacterial count (TBC). The results revealed that milk yield was improved considerably in the case of 46 kPa vacuum level. Moreover, the chemical composition of milk was not influenced by vacuum level; however, the administration of vitamin E and Se appeared to have a positive effect. Moreover, the addition of vitamin E and Se decreased somatic cell counts (number and log10) at the two assessed machine milking vacuum levels. In reference to TBC and their log10, significant differences were not observed at both milking vacuum levels, regardless of vitamin E and Se administration. Statistical analysis did not indicate any interactions between the factors that were studied. Therefore, it is concluded that the quantity of vitamin E and Se supplemented to the ration has a positive effect on decreasing SCC and consequent positive action in the hygiene of the mammary glands of machine milked ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monoblock light-scattering sensor, which is capable of measuring the fat content of milk and indicating the excess by which the somatic cell count (SCC) is over the permissible level, has been developed for installation in dairy systems. In order for the sensor to perform measurements when the milking machine is working in the "milk plug" mode, a flow-through unit is designed in the form of a pipe with a lateral cylindrical branch, in which milk accumulates so as to eliminate large bubbles and achieve continuity of the milk flow. The operation of the sensor is based on the registration of the angular intensity distribution of light scattered in the transparent cylindrical segment of the tube branch. A semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 650 nm is used as a light source for determining scattering in milk. The angular distribution of the scattered light intensity (scattering indicatrix) is recorded using an axial photodiode array. The fat content is determined by the average slope of the measured scattering indicatrix in the range of scattering angles 72–162°. The SCC level is estimated from the relative deviation of the forward scatter intensity normalized to the backscatter intensity with respect to uninfected milk. The sensor has been tested on a Yolochka-type milking machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes was surveyed for different parts of a milking machine. A cultivation approach based on swab samples showed a highly diverse microbiota, harboring resistances against cloxacillin, ampicillin, penicillin, and tetracycline. This approach demonstrated a substantial cloxacillin resistance of numerous taxa within milking machine microbiota coming along with regular use of cloxacillin for dry-off therapy of dairy cows. For the less abundant tetracycline-resistant bacteria we found a positive correlation between microbial cell density and relative abundance of tetracycline-resistant microorganisms (R2 = 0.73). This indicated an accelerated dispersion of resistant cells for sampling locations with high cell density. However, the direct quantification of the tetM gene from the swap samples by qPCR showed the reverse relation to bacterial density if normalized against the abundance of 16S rRNA genes (R2 = 0.88). The abundance of 16S rRNA genes was analyzed by qPCR combined with a propidium monoazide treatment, which eliminates 16S rRNA gene signals in negative controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of milking machines is to harvest milk at optimal quality and speed, while maintaining animal comfort and teat defense mechanisms against invading mastitis pathogens. Therefore, the milking machine is a very important piece of equipment on dairy farms to maintain a long healthy lactation by following the physiological conditions of the udder. The mechanical forces during long-term machine milking processes lead to changes in the teat tissue. This effect is related to the degree of adaptation of the milking machines to the physiological requirements of the individual udder anatomy and the physiological conditions of the lactating animals. If both, milking machine settings and liner design are not suitable for all teats and animals on the farm, some animals will not be fully milked, the teat condition will deteriorate over time and in the end, they may suffer from mastitis. Therefore, maintaining healthy udders and teats during milking is a central key component of an effective milking machine to produce good milk yield with higher quality by preventing mastitis and maintaining animal health and welfare. On large and thick teats, conventional liners often fit too tight, causing a massive mechanical stress load on the tissue. On small teats, however, they often do not adhere sufficiently close to the teat which can cause a considerable air admission and hence liner slips. The new liners, "Stimulor® StressLess" (Siliconform, Türkheim, Germany), have a wave-like lip construction and adapt well to the different teat sizes in a herd, thus ensuring consistent milking of lactating animals. A proper milking machine accommodates all teat sizes and forms, has a low vacuum to effectively open the teat and to stimulate physiological milk release and letdown. In addition, the right pulsation rate will maintain a stable vacuum on the teat area during milking. In conclusion, an ideal milking machine adapts to the morphological, anatomical, and physiological characteristics of the udder and teats of the lactating animals and it should achieve a physiologically ideal milking process that meets high animal welfare standards and increases milk production with a high quality standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article brings together historically disparate literatures, including rural sociology, critical food studies, new media studies, and affect theory to think critically, and productively, about digital agriculture—for example, robotic milking machines, precision techniques, data-intensive and algorithm-enabled predictive software. To make this argument, the article triangulates multiple forms of data, including that collected through recurring interviews with 25 farmers in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska who employed agricultural digital platforms. When taken together, these data tell a story about how new farm media enact worlds by affording networked affective subjectivities. They do this not because they tell users things—as suggested by their "smart" moniker. Perhaps most importantly, they animate what farmers feel through affordances tied to expressions of desire, risk, and promise; anticipatory-affects with immense political potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the formalized characteristics' effect of the spatial location of milking equipment, cows and operators in connection with the time spent on working operations is presented. The material for the research was timekeeping of the milking process using different equipment. It has been established that the correlation coefficient between the length of the working area for milking and the duration of the working operation "transition between animals and equipment" is r=0.330 (p<0.001). The measure of effect size of milking trench's presence/absence factor on the time spent by the operator on milking 1 cow was η²=0.779 (p<0.001). The time when the machine milking operator stays in a position with a strongly bent torso (over 40°) during milking using a trench is almost 50 times less (p<0.001) compared to the corresponding time during milking without using a milking trench. When working in the trench, the operator does not perform working actions in the "squatting" position at all. If milking occurs in stalls, then a small distance between adjacent cows makes it difficult for the operator to access the udder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the degree of contamination of dairy farms with both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, in which, a total of 150 swab samples were collected from 3 different dairy farms (50 each) distributed in Assiut governorate (farm A) and El-Minia governorate (farms B & C), Egypt. The swabs were taken from different locations in the dairy farms such as teats of dairy animals, milking machines, workers' hands and stanchions, etc. All the samples were examined for detection of Ps. aeruginosa (conventionally biochemical followed by MICROBACT™ identification kits) and for Staph. aureus (coagulase +ve). The obtained results revealed the overall incidence of Ps. aeruginosa as 14%, 2% and 4% in farms A, B & C, respectively; while, the incidence of Staph. aureus was 4%, 30% and 4%, respectively. In conclusion, the profile of both Ps. aeruginosa and Staph. aureus among the examined dairy farms is highlighting the hygienic state of each farm separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the productivity of local goat population adapted to harsh environments is crucial for their sustainability. For local goat population oriented to meat production, this improvement relies on the capacity of goats to produce more milk to increase kids weight at weaning. In this context, the present study aimed to describe the main measurements of the mammary gland and to establish their possible relationships with daily milk production. A total of 85 lactating goats from a local goat population from an agro pastoral herd in the Southern region of Tunisia were used. Udder morphological traits recorded were udder depth, udder circumference, teat length, teat diameter, teat circumference, teat height from ground, distance between teats and udder volume. The morphological component has shown strong heterogeneity between the animals under the same breeding conditions. Teat's form has shown high heterogeneity between individuals and within the same animal. The values of all udder morphological parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in multiparous than primiparous goats, except the teat height from ground, which had a reverse result. Daily milk production was positively (P<0.01) correlated with all udder morphological traits, except teat height from ground (THG) where the correlation was negative. Overall, measurements relative to udder capacity (volume, depth and circumference) showed good potential as morphological candidates to be used as indirect indicators of milk production in extensive systems. In addition, teat characteristics, mainly length, but also diameter and circumference showed potential as indicators for milk production and milk ability, important for a good suckling yield and good adaptation to milking machines. Some environmental factors such as lactation stage and age of the doe affect the mammary morphology and this will have to be taken into account when designing the optimal time of recording for these traits. Such knowledge will help to get better management and improved performance of this population, adapted to arid conditions and exploited in an area threatened by desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In order to capture the complexity and dynamics of bovine mastitis, which has multiple effects, such as milk losses, increased risk of culling, or a higher likelihood of reproductive failure, a simulation model was developed. The economic evaluation of the mastitis control was performed considering different interventions combining a basic control plan with either segregation or culling of chronically infected cows. Changes in transmission probability, milk price, and strategies efficacy were evaluated. Several economic parameters in the model could be adjusted to represent farm-specific situations. This is a flexible tool that may support the decision-making of producers and veterinarians. The economic evaluation of mastitis control is challenging. The objective of this study was to perform the economic evaluation of mastitis control, under different intervention scenarios, quantifying the total cost of mastitis caused by S. aureus in Holstein cows in Argentina. A model was set for a dairy herd of Holstein cows endemically infected with S. aureus. A basic mastitis control plan including proper milking procedures, milking machine test, dry cow therapy, and treatment for clinical mastitis, was compared against other more complex and costly interventions, such as segregation and culling of chronically infected cows. Sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the intramammary infection transition probabilities, economic parameters, and efficacy of treatment strategies. The basic mastitis control plan showed a median total cost of USD88.6/cow per year, which was close to the infected cows culling scenarios outputs. However, the segregation scenario was the most efficient, in which the total cost was reduced by about 50%. Such cost was more sensitive to probabilities and efficacy than the economic parameters. The model is flexible and can be customized by producers and veterinarians according to different control and herd settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient machine milking requires an optimal interaction of alveolar milk ejection in the udder and milk removal by the milking machine. The aim of the present study was to test whether the equilibrium between continuous milk ejection and milk removal can also be maintained at very fast milking through a particularly high vacuum. Eight Holstein dairy cows were milked at 42, 52, or 60 kPa, with (PS) or without (nPS) prestimulation. Each of the 6 treatments was conducted at 2 afternoon milkings in each animal. The prestimulation lasted 40 s and consisted of forestripping and teat cleaning. The cluster attachment followed after a 20-s latency period. Throughout each milking, B-mode ultrasound videos of the gland cistern of 1 front quarter as well as milk flow and claw vacuum curves were recorded. Total milk yield was neither affected by nPS or PS nor by the vacuum level. Milk removed within the first minute and the first 2 min of milking and average milk flow were higher, and the duration of incline and time until peak milk flow were shorter at PS than at nPS milkings at all vacuum levels. Machine-on time was shorter at PS than at nPS milkings, although only at 42 and 52 kPa vacuum, obviously caused by the high percentage of bimodalities occurring in nPS milkings (17% bimodalities in PS vs. 92% bimodalities in nPS milkings). The frequency of bimodalities was higher at high than at low vacuum both in PS and nPS milkings. Peak flow rate and average milk flow were both higher at higher vacuum levels. The duration of milk flow plateau was shorter at 60 kPa than at 42 kPa milkings. At the highest vacuum (60 kPa), the shorter plateau phase indicated a declining milk ejection rate toward the end of the plateau phase, and milk ejection could no longer keep up with the fast milk removal; hence, a higher milking efficiency at a higher vacuum level could only be achieved as long as the gland cistern remained sufficiently filled by the continuous milk ejection. The ultrasound imaging confirmed this finding as the duration of cisternal area plateau in the recorded front quarter was shorter at high than at low vacuum. Thus, the highest vacuum of 60 kPa did not cause a shorter machine-on time than 52 kPa. In conclusion, milking at a very high vacuum can increase milking efficiency compared with a low vacuum. However, a vacuum reduction at the start and toward the end of milking is required to prevent overmilking if milking is performed at a very high vacuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There were not long-term studies in the literature reviewed on how machine milking parameters (pulsation rate, pulsation ratio and system vacuum) affect milk production, milk composition, animal welfare and udder health throughout the lactation of Murciano-Granadina goats. After previous experiments developed in short term by this research group, the aim of the present experiments was to test during one entire lactation duration the best combination of system vacuum and pulsation parameters using two types of milking parlours, one with low-line pipes and the other with mid-line pipes to obtain optimal values of milking duration, milk yield, animal welfare and udder health. The results confirmed that the optimal parameters to milk Murciano-Granadina goats are different in mid-line milking parlours and in low-line milking parlours. The milking parameters must be correctly programmed to achieve optimal milking efficiency and milk quality values, enhancing the animals' sanitary status and farm profitability. The conclusions of this project have established work guidelines for small ruminants' farmers and technicians to improve milk quantity, milk quality and animal welfare. Recent short-term studies on Murciano-Granadina goats have established that the optimal parameters to set up the milking machines are different according to the milk pipes height. Two groups of 52 fresh goats each were employed in 2 different experiments to confirm during an entire lactation period the best combinations of system vacuum pulsation rate and pulsator ratio in low-line and mid-line milking parlours. The experiment performed in the low-line milking parlour included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation and a second group milked with 38 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. The experiment carried out in mid-line included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio and a second group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 120 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. Variables studied included milking efficiency, milk composition, cortisol, SCC and intramammary infections, teat-end oedema after milking and vacuum dynamics during milking. Considering the results of an entire lactation period, it was confirmed that when milking in mid-line, the combination of 40 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio showed optimal results of the above-mentioned variables. On the other hand, the use of 40 KPa in a low-line system increased the milk cortisol values (0.34 ± 0.1 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1 ng/mL) without any other advantage. Thus, the recommendation is to use a combination of 38 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio to enhance animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in response to invasion by opportunistic agents. The objective of this work was to identify and evaluate the antibacterial resistance profile of mastitis milk samples, milking hands and milking equipment from small dairy farms belonging to northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Fifteen small, non-technical dairy farms in three municipalities, all belonging to the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were selected. Of the 199 samples collected from the 15 selected properties in the municipalities of Boa Esperança, Tapejara and Juranda, 36.20% were classified as multiresistant. It is also worth noting the presence of an isolate of Enterobater agglomerans and one of Moellerella wisconsensis in the hands of milkers and milking machines, phenotypically producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). As for the presence of the mecA gene, 72.72% isolated came from milk, 18.18% from insufflators and 9.1% from milking hands. Mastitis can be spread to the herd through the milking process by the milkers' instruments and hands and adequate management measures can prevent its transmission and the conscious use of antibiotics decreases the prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The results of this work directly reflect on the health of the animals, the health of the workers and the health of the respective environment, which can make possible the continuity of the propagation of the etiological agents involved in the mastitis infection. Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in response to invasion by opportunistic agents. Due to the high economic importance of dairy production and the complexity related to animal health, the objective of this work was to identify and evaluate the antibacterial resistance profile of samples of mastitis milk, milking hand and milking equipment from small rural dairy farms belonging to the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Five small, non-technical dairy farms in the municipalities of Boa Esperança, Juranda and Tapejara, all belonging to the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were selected. The properties had Holstein and/or crossbred herds, carried out a bucket-by-foot milking system and all had the presence of animals with subclinical mastitis confirmed by the California Mastitis Test. Samples of sterile swabs from the milking insufflators, the milking hand and milk samples were collected—and later, isolation tests and phenotypic characterization of the samples, sensitivity tests to antimicrobials and phenotypic tests for the detection of beta-producing strains were performed with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and mecA gene research. Of the 199 samples collected from the 15 selected properties in the municipalities of Boa Esperança, Tapejara and Juranda, 72 (36.20%) were classified as multiresistant. Isolated from milkers' hands and milking machines, which phenotypically produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), the presence of the mecA gene was also observed in 11 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. of milk samples, machines and milking hands. Mastitis can be spread to the herd through the milking process by the milkers' instruments and hands, and adequate management measures can prevent its transmission and the conscious use of antibiotics decreases the prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this work, different pathogenic bacteria were detected in mastitic milk, milking equipment and milking hand with a high percentage (36.20%) of isolates classified as multidrug resistant. In addition, the presence phenotypically (ESBL) and molecularly (mecA gene) of isolates carrying resistance genes was also verified. These results directly reflect on the health of the animals, the health of the workers and the health of the respective environment, which can enable the continuity of the propagation of the etiological agents involved in the mastitis infection. The awareness of producers and workers on these properties about the disease, transmission, sanitary aspects and adequate management and treatment are essential for improving milk production and production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During machine milking, pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted from cow to cow through liners. Therefore, in Germany, a spray method for the intermediate disinfection of the milking cluster is often used for prevention. This method of cluster disinfection is easy to perform, requires little time and no extra materials, and the disinfection solution is safe from outside contamination in the spray bottle. Since no data on a systematic efficacy trial are available, the aim of this study was to determine the microbial reduction effect of intermediate disinfection. Therefore, laboratory and field trials were conducted. In both trials, two sprays of 0.85 mL per burst of different disinfectant solutions were sprayed into the contaminated liners. For sampling, a quantitative swabbing method using a modified wet–dry swab (WDS) technique based on DIN 10113-1: 1997-07 was applied. Thus, the effectiveness of disinfectants based on Peracetic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide and Plasma-Activated Buffered Solution (PABS) was compared. In the laboratory trial, the inner surfaces of liners were contaminated with pure cultures of Escherichia (E.) coli, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus (Sc.) uberis and Sc. agalactiae. The disinfection of the contaminated liners with the disinfectants resulted in a significant reduction in bacteria with values averaging 1 log for E. coli, 0.7 log for S. aureus, 0.7 log for Sc. uberis and 0.8 log for Sc. agalactiae. The highest reduction was obtained for contamination with E. coli (1.3 log) and Sc. uberis (0.8 log) when PABS was applied and for contamination with S. aureus (1.1 log) and Sc. agalactiae (1 log) when Peracetic Acid Solution (PAS) was used. Treatment with sterile water only led to an average reduction of 0.4 log. In the field trial, after the milking of 575 cows, the liners were disinfected and the total microorganism count from the liner surface was performed. The reduction was measured against an untreated liner within the cluster. Although a reduction in microorganisms was achieved in the field trial, it was not significant. When using PAS, a log reduction of 0.3 was achieved; when using PABS, a log reduction of 0.2 was obtained. The difference between the two disinfection methods was also not significant. Treatment with sterile water only led to a reduction of 0.1 log. The results show that spray disinfection under these circumstances does result in a reduction in the bacteria on the milking liner surface, but for effective disinfection a higher reduction would be preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Multiple studies have investigated the relationship of teat morphology, and udder health and milkability. Nevertheless, it is crucial to examine how the dimensions of teat structures influence teat tissue changes during milking. The short-term changes in teat structures that result from machine milking are yet to be completely understood, and more studies are needed to fully understand their complexity and potential health risks to animals. We found that milking-induced changes in teat structures depended on their pre-milking size, probably because their dimensions allowed for certain fluid mechanics inside the teat after the forces were applied within the liner of specific dimensions. Furthermore, the dimensions of any teat structure affected changes in multiple other structures. We also observed that some teat dimensions showed a better reaction to milking in relation to milking-induced teat tissue changes. The results of this study could create a better understanding of milking-induced changes in teat tissue. Our findings may help create a detailed computer model for teat reaction to milking, which could be used to improve the development of milking equipment. The study aimed to explore the relationship between teat structure dimensions and their short-term reaction to milking, to find the optimal dimensions of teat structures in relation to milking-induced teat tissue changes. Teat structures (teat length, canal length, thickness at barrel and apex, wall and cistern width) were measured by ultrasonography before and after milking for 38 Holstein cows at the beginning, middle, and end of lactation. We found that milking-induced changes in teat structures significantly depended on their pre-milking size. Furthermore, we observed that some teat structures and their changes were interconnected, and some did not affect each other. For example, changes in the barrel thickness and cistern width were affected by all structures, while the canal and apex did not influence each other. We deduced that more favorable changes were observed for teats of medium length, medium barrel and apex thickness, with teat canals of medium length, but with wider cisterns and thinner walls. The results of this study may help improve research in the area of milking-induced changes in teat morphology. Our findings could help understand potential health risks to animals in relation to teat morphology, milking equipment, and machine settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate the associations of machine milking liner slip with (1) milking performance and (2) cow characteristics. Parlor data including milk flow characteristics and data on the occurrence of milking machine liner slips from a 4,000-cow dairy with a thrice-daily milking schedule were obtained with electronic on-farm milk meters over a 2-mo period. We analyzed data from a total of 686,330 milking observations. A multivariable general linear mixed model revealed no association between liner slip and milking unit on time. Least squares means (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI) were 237 (235–238) s for milking observations with and without a liner slip. We observed statistically significant differences in average milk flow rate; however, these were biologically irrelevant. Least squares means were 3.40 (3.37–3.42) kg/min for a milking observation with and 3.42 (3.40–3.44) kg/min without a liner slip. A multivariable generalized linear mixed model showed an association between liner slip and cow characteristics. Compared with late-lactation cows, the odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) of occurrence of a liner slip were 2.03 (1.59–2.59) in early lactation cows and 1.26 (0.97–1.64) in cows from 101 to 200 days in milk. Presence of a nonlactating quarter increased the odds of liner slip occurrence [OR, 95% CI: 10.35 (8.02–13.35)]. Bimodal milking observations had higher odds of occurrence of a liner slip compared with milking observations with a unimodal milk flow curve [OR, 95% CI: 1.05 (1.005–1.09)]. A 1-kg increase in 2-min milk yield increased the odds of a liner slip [OR, 95% CI: 1.26 (1.25–1.28)]. We conclude that, in the study cohort presented herein, the negative effect of liner slips on milking performance can be diminished. The identified cow characteristics could offer unique opportunities to identify and manage cows at increased risk of liner slips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Science & Economics is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Monitoring health status and disease outbreak among food animal herds is vitally important to global food safety. Affected animals will experience production losses, and in uncurable cases, operations will need to be modified or animals culled. Producers and veterinary personnel have consistent interest in new diagnostic tools to provide rapid, accurate, and simple testing strategies which do not undermine financial viability of the operation. This manuscript describes a new approach for diagnosis of mastitis in dairy animals. The new method involves first analyzing raw milk from animals by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and collecting mass spectra. Then, peaks from the mass spectra are imported into a machine learning model, and this software application discovers non-obvious patterns present in the data which coincide with the mastitis condition. Finally, a separate set of milk samples is analyzed (scoring set) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the new model. Results suggest that certain machine learning models offer value to the producer for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. More generally, the manuscript outlines use of the machine learning approach for diagnoses of animal disease, and we prophesize that this strategy may be applicable to a wide array of animal health concerns. Novel strategies for diagnostic screening of animal and herd health are crucial to contain disease outbreaks, maintain animal health, and maximize production efficiency. Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in dairy cows, often resulting from infection from a microorganism. Mastitis outbreaks result in loss of production, degradation of milk quality, and the need to isolate and treat affected animals. In this work, we evaluate MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic for the culture-less screening of mastitis state from raw milk samples collected from regional dairies. Since sample preparation requires only minutes per sample using microvolumes of reagents and no cell culture, the technique is promising for rapid sample turnaround and low-cost diagnosis. Machine learning algorithms have been used to detect patterns embedded within MALDI-TOF spectra using a training set of 226 raw milk samples. A separate scoring set of 100 raw milk samples has been used to assess the specificity (spc) and sensitivity (sens) of the approach. Of machine learning models tested, the gradient-boosted tree model gave global optimal results, with the Youden index of J = 0.7, sens = 0.89, and spc = 0.81 achieved for the given set of conditions. Random forest models also performed well, achieving J > 0.63, with sens = 0.83 and spc = 0.81. Naïve Bayes, generalized linear, fast large-margin, and deep learning models failed to produce diagnostic results that were as favorable. We conclude that MALDI-TOF MS combined with machine learning is an alternative diagnostic tool for detection of high somatic cell count (SCC) and subclinical mastitis in dairy herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy horse breeding in Ukraine is not a traditional branch of animal husbandry, although its products most closely correspond to the physiology of human digestion and are especially indispensable in children's nutrition, since the chemical composition of mares' milk is close to that of women. To obtain mare's milk, it is necessary to take into account the technological features of keeping, feeding animals and obtaining products specific to a particular farm, which should be reflected in technological maps. The most time-consuming process in the production of milk of all types of animals is the milking process, therefore the purpose of this work was to develop standards of time consumption for the further development of technological maps in dairy breeding and to study the productive and ethological indicators of dairy mares taking into account the serial number of milking. The research was carried out at the Kumys farm, a breeding breeder for the breeding of the Novoaleksandrivsky weight-carrying breed of horses of the Dibriv Horse Stud No. 62 branch of the State Enterprise "Studying of Ukraine" using video surveillance, time measurement, biometrics, and mathematical calculations. It was established that the time spent on milking is directly dependent on the productivity of mares and increases with the serial number of milking. Ethological studies have shown that mares willingly go to milking and in the same order and sequence to the left and right milking machines. Supplementation with oat grains takes place during milking at the milking plant, the time spent there is not enough to consume the daily requirement due to concentrated feeds, and the time spent by mares in the pre-milking area exceeds the normative indicators. Standards for time spent on the milking process have been developed, taking into account the ethological features of mares and suggestions for its improvement through the organization of standardized individual feeding and the frequency of milking, which will increase the gross production of marketable milk. The practical value of the work consists in determining the time spent on milking mares, depending on their productivity, which will later be used as normative indicators during the development of technological maps [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teat rubber of milking machines is the only structural component of all milking and dairy equipment that is in contact with animals. During operation, the rubber article’s original quality characteristics are compromised. This is due to mechanical wear during operation. The task of the research is to establish changes in the parameters of the teat rubber of milking machines during testing and under industrial conditions. The object of research was the teat rubber of milking machines from various manufacturers, made of various composite materials. A scientific hypothesis put forward assumed that an increase in the efficiency of milking and dairy equipment could be achieved by establishing changes in the parameters of the teat rubber with subsequent maintenance planning. This would provide an opportunity to identify patterns and dependences that characterize these processes. In the course of research, theoretical dependences were derived to determine the operation of teat rubber in idle mode and the theoretical time of its operation. It was established that the theoretical wear period of the teat rubber is about 120–170 hours. It was determined that in the environment of SZHR-3, the coefficient of aging in terms of intensity was >2 times higher compared to Skydrol LD-4. The volume under similar conditions of exposure of liquids on samples exceeded by more than 3 times. It is proved that the change in the mass of rubber under the influence of SZHR-3 exceeds more than 2.5 times the indicators obtained from the effects of Skydrol LD-4. It was established that during longterm operation the teat rubber undergoes changes in its physical and mechanical properties. Thus, hardness and elasticity increase, elasticity decreases due to the destruction of the internal structure of rubber due to the formation of microcracks, the vacuum of closing the walls increases. Knowledge of the quality characteristics of the teat rubber would make it possible to find the optimal solution for the choice of rubber articles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scientific hypothesis has been put forward, according to which an increase in the efficiency of using a vacuum system of milking equipment with an upper milk line with mechanical pulsators can be achieved by predicting its residual resource. As well as with the subsequent planning of maintenance and the identification of patterns and dependences characterizing these processes. As a result of experimental studies of changes in the technical and technological parameters of the vacuum system of milking equipment with an upper milk line with mechanical pulsators, the theoretical dependences obtained with their correlation coefficient r=0.971–0.972 were empirically confirmed. Namely, the magnitude of the working vacuum, the pulsation rate, the ratio of pulsations, and the tension force of the nipple rubber, depending on the time of operation. It was established that after 175 hours of operation of the milking stationary installation, the value of the working vacuum decreased by 4 %, the pulsation frequency – 14 %, the ratio of pulsations – 16 %, and the tension force of nipple rubber – 21 %. On the basis of the obtained dependences included in the procedure for forecasting the resource of the vacuum system of milk-milking equipment with an upper milk line with mechanical pulsators, the software package «Alt viewer 1.0» was developed. It is designed to display and automatically process the measurement results of the technical and technological parameters of milking equipment using the designed Tester of milking machines, v.2.0. The software performs the following main functions: reading the measurement results from the memory card, decoding them, displaying them in tabular and graphical forms. As well as the calculation of the parameters of pulsations and the formation of a report, forecasting the resource of the nodes of the vacuum system. The program also provides for the storage of information on the calibration coefficients of pressure sensors, air flow meter, as well as the frequency of polling sensors when measuring pulsations and fluctuations of the working vacuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of chest width measurements behind the shoulder blades it possible to assess the breeding situation in the region at the ranching Ukrainian blackand-white dairy breed. It is possible to increase milk productivity in farms of various forms of ownership based on this. Animals included in the breeding process must have a pronounced milk type, the elongated body, strong crosswise and the rump, legs with correct posture, and voluminous and tightly attached uniformly developed udder of the bath or bowl shape suitable for machine milking. The use of the assessing method of the cow‘s milk productivity by height at the withers allows maintaining the required level of intra-breed genetic diversity. It makes possible the selection and further consolidation of herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objectives were to study the diversity of Enterococcus spp. isolated from mastitis cases, milking equipment and the environment of dairy cows; and to determine in vitro resistance of isolates to antimicrobials that are relevant to human and animal health. Ten dairy farms were visited to collect samples from mastitis cases, faeces, bedding, aisles, water and milking equipment. Identification of Enterococcus at the species level and antimicrobial resistance testing was performed by MALDI‐TOF and the disk‐diffusion method, respectively. Of 365 isolates, Enterococcus hirae was the most prevalent, being more likely to be isolated from faeces than from milk (odds ratio (OR) = 39·2), liners (OR = 5·4) or bedding (OR = 2·2). Enterococcus saccharolyticus was the most prevalent in milk samples. The chances of isolating Enterococcus faecalis from milk were higher than from aisles (OR = 12·5), faeces (OR = 5·3), bedding (OR = 3·6) or liners (OR = 3·0). The odds of isolating Enterococcus faecium from faeces were higher than from liners (OR = 7·3), bedding (OR = 2·5) or aisles (OR = 2·4). Of 360 tested isolates, 1·9, 0·3 and 0·6% were resistant to penicillin, vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively. Our results suggest that Enterococcus species can occupy specific ecological niches on dairy farms and pose a risk to public and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart glasses for augmented reality are digital technology under investigation in the agricultural sector. The potential of augmented reality was underlined, in some scientific contributions, as a support tool for farmers' activities and for the decision-making process. One of the most practical applications studied for augmented reality was in maintenance operations, where the use of smart glasses showed high capability. This work focuses on the evaluation of the performance and applicability of smart glasses with a video see-through display system and testing the device's available functions in agricultural frameworks. In addition, an augmented assistance scenario describing the main steps involved in the functioning of the maintenance operation was developed for milking machine inspection. The audio–video quality, battery life, detection capabilities of markers, and voice control interaction system were evaluated. The results showed the capabilities of smart glasses to reach augmented information from a long distance in a short time interval and to transmit audio and video with a high level of detail, allowing discrimination of small objects during remote assistance with reduced delay. The built maintenance scenario represents an example of augmented reality digital assistance application in the inspection and maintenance of the milking machine. The device performance and the proposed maintenance scenario underline the potential that augmented reality could have in the agricultural sector to assist and guide both farmers and technicians to timely problem solving. This solution fits into the agriculture 4.0 perspective, which is increasingly focused on digital transformation to improve farms' efficiency and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate the degree of damage to Holstein cows in Korea caused by summer heat stress. It was also established that the milk and rumen characteristics changed under heat stress depending on the difference in the Holstein cows' parity. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the summer weather in Korea adversely affects the milk yield, milk fat, milk protein, somatic cells, rumen activity, and rumen temperature of Holstein cows. Additionally, a correlation was found between the degree of heat stress experienced by Holstein cows based on parity. With AMSs and rumen biosensors, this study could provide farms with advice on improving milk yields in Holstein dairy cows. The results of this study suggest that the metabolic mechanisms of each of these factors are needed in Korea to understand how they contribute to the maximum improvements in milk yield and characteristics. This survey investigated, using robotic milking and rumen sensors, the effects of an adjusted temperature–humidity index (THI) in different geographical areas on milk yield, fat and protein, rumen temperature, and activity in lactating Holstein cows. We additionally explored the effect of parity on milk and rumen temperature and activity under different THI levels during the summer. From January to September 2020, four farms (276 dairy cows) were subjected to the use of robot milking machines, and two farms (162 dairy cows) to the use of rumen sensors. For the temperature and humidity data, the THI was calculated on the basis of the data from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS. Milk yield and milk protein decreased (p < 0.05), and milk fat increased (p < 0.05) at all farms during the summer, from July to August, when the temperature and humidity were high (THI = 72–79). Milk yields were the highest in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth parities, and the lowest in the fourth (p < 0.05). Milk fat concentration was the highest in the fourth parity and the lowest in the first parity (p < 0.05). In the first parity, the highest levels of milk protein and lactose were seen (5.24% and 4.90%, respectively). However, milk protein concentration was the lowest in the third parity, and the lactose concentration was the lowest in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth parities. According to the rumen sensor, the rumen temperature of the dairy cows at the two farms also continued to increase (p < 0.05) from July to August, and then decreased (p < 0.05) in September. However, the activity in the rumen was increased (p < 0.05) from July to September. In the second parity, the highest rumen temperature (39.02 °C) was observed, while the lowest value (38.28 °C) was observed in the third parity. The highest value of rumen activity (12.26 mg) was observed in the second parity and the lowest value (11.31 mg) in the fourth parity. These data, taken together, confirm that a high THI during summer conditions negatively affects milk yield, milk protein content, and rumen temperature and activity in lactating Holstein cows. It is also demonstrated that various parities affect milk characteristics and the rumen environment in the summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]