Milk flow in buffaloes in response to different stimulations.

Milk flow in buffaloes in response to different stimulations.

The results of a short study conducted to optimise milking routines in buffaloes with respect to milk ejection, milk flow and milking efficiency 24 buffaloes in four groups were studies. Milk yield, stripping yield, milking time and milk flow during machine milking was measured. Five different milking routines were used viz: (a) Intravenous injection of oxytocin, (b) direct machine milking (no pre-stimulation), (c)1 min manual pre-stimulation, (d) 3 min manual pre-stimulation, (e) Double vacuum milking with reduced vacuum during early milking (Duovac®),. The following were some of the observations from this study:

1.    Although milklodown is immediate with oxytocin injection it does not effect in complete milk removal.

2.    Machine milking without pre-stimulation could cause a delayed milk ejection due to stress.

3.    Cisternal milk fraction is not visible in milk flow curves thus necessitating pre-stimulation 

4.    Tactile pre-stimulation of machine milking is more efficient at low vacuum (Duovac®)

5.    In the low vacuum milking (Duovac®) climbing of cluster  and obstruction of milk flow is avoided

6.    Tactile pre-stimulation of liner movement is effective for stimulating a good milking ejection and subsequent removel in buffaloes.

However it must be remembered that the Duovac is not a substitute for good manual pre-milking stimulation routines and cannot be compared to an oxytocin injection. Buffaloes can be machine milked without the Duovac as well.