A cow milking machine is an automated technique for harvesting milk from a cow’s udder. The process of obtaining one can prove intimidating; however, this article highlights factors to consider when purchasing a cow milking machine, the critical parts of a milking machine that you should be aware of, and the benefits of using a cow milking machine. Deer farmers share insights on what do deer eat , what kind of teeth do deer have and explain their behavior. For example, deer nodding, biting or chasing each other.

What is a milking machine

A milking machine is an automated machine for milking cows. A milking machine comprises several interconnected components that can handle up to two hundred cows. The milking system includes three critical elements, the cluster, which consists of tubes connecting the cow’s tits to the storage container. A pulse tube; and the pulsator regulate the pulsation process giving the cow the sensation of a suckling calf. A vacuum pump provides power to suck milk from the cow’s udder and deliver it into the storage container, and a milk meter measures the cow’s output.

The main objective for each farmer is to maximize the output from their herd, and at the same, they are faced with the question of how they will do that while at the same time ensuring they keep the best interest of their herd. When it comes to selecting the perfect milking machine that will serve your finances and maintain the health of your herd, this article highlights what to check when acquiring a cow milking machine.

Acquire a machine that works quickly

The whole point of delivering milk and serving the market demand is to ensure it is delivered on time and in a new state. However, when this is done wrongly, it could injure the cattle and potentially cause permanent injuries that could affect your output. Therefore when selecting a milking machine, you should choose one that works fast with a regulated power suction to prevent aggressive pumping, which could injure the cows.

Select a pump that is gentle on the cows

As a farmer, the most significant blow one would receive would be low output from the herd coupled with increased farm input and expenses. Injury resulting from pump suction could result in sore tits, resulting in the fear of milking and kicking. The fear induced is enough to reduce milk production and the quality of milk produced. As a farmer, this is an experience you should avoid; therefore, go for a friendly pump for the cows.

The best recommendation would be a pump with a pulsation process that mimics a calf suckle. This stimulates a cow’s udder to release most milk while at ease.

Easy to clean and maintain

Milk is a very volatile compound, and the slightest change in conditions could result in spoiling. Therefore, cleanliness is essential; to avoid unnecessarylosses, a farmer should pick a milking machine that accords him with easy cleaning. This also helps prevent diseases on the cow’s udders.

Pick a machine that is easy to use and transport from one place to another

Easy to use directly translates to time saved. It would be best if you avoided milking machines that are complex to operate with many buttons and gauges. For transportation, you can choose to build a storage unit near the milking point or build a transport cart if you decide to store the cart far from the milking team.

An excellent cow milking machine should be simple and requires little hassle and effort to set up. It would help if you considered a milking machine made of non-toxic material and should be environment-friendly, with at least zero carbon emissions.

Parts of a milking machine you should be aware of

First, look at a cow milking machine; it does not look very comforting. However, it is pretty simple to operate, and it is made up of a filter that moves milk from the cow’s tit to the storage container, the vacuum system, andthe cluster. Below this article breaks it down and  simplifies the parts,

The vacuum system

This is the most crucial part of the milking machine. When carefully selected, this maximizes your produce and output and, at the same time, ensures your cows feel comfortable. The vacuum system provides power to suck the milk from the cow’s udders and deliver it into the tube in the storage container.

The cluster

The cluster refers to the tubes attached to the cow’s tit and is attached to the cup assembly. The cluster tubes transport the milk from the cow’s tits and deliver the milk to the storage unit. After providing the milk, the tubes re-distribute pressure back to the cow’s udders, forming a seamless process and preventing it from being blocked.

The storage container

This refers to the container where the cluster delivers milk from the cow’s tits. The container should be chosen depending on the farmer’s expected output.

Benefits of using a cow milking machine

There is a controversy on the benefits of using a milking machine over hand milking when it comes to cow milking. This article pursues the benefits at length, dig in and learn,

Saving labor expenses

One of the main benefits of using a milking machine is that it saves labor. One machine can milk up to two hundred cows. They save the farmer’s time and the tiring process of having to milk all the cows and deliver their products in time. A milking machine affords the three-fold farmer times the speed he would have used to hand milk.

Quality of milk

The quality of milk obtained from machine milking is undefeated. When suitable conditions and a milk pump isused, the cows tend to feel comfortable and relaxed, and the relaxation allows their bodies to produce thick and high-quality milk.

During lactation, increased milk production can cause stress to the cow. This, in turn, could affect milk production. The benefit you get to enjoy is that the milking machine is thorough and milks to the last drop ensuring the cow’s tits do not succumb to diseases by creating suitable milking routines.

Limitations of using the  machine for milking

Anything with an advantage must have a limitation; in the case of machine milking, some cows accustomed to hand milking could not adjust to machine milking; this kind of stress automatically affects milk production.

Another limitation of using machine milking is that they need a standby power supply; in case of a power outage, it could severely affect milk production, which could strain the cows and result in stress or even worse diseases.

A cow milking machine price in Kenya is very high which makes it generally expensive in terms of; investment required to purchase, set up, and train personnel to handle the machines.

Conclusion

The health and well-being of animals should be upheld o ensure soaring profits and outputs from the animals. An excellent cow milking machine should see to it that you achieve the well-being of the animals and, at the same time, provide maximum financial gain for the farmer; as a recommendation, choose machines that are easy to set up and operate, easy to transport and are environment friendly.