Optimising the mechanical milking process

Milking machine design affects milk extraction time, quantity and quality. Milking machine parameters such as vacuum level, pulsation rate and pulsation ratio also impact the welfare of dairy cattle. Thus, there is a need to optimise the milking process. Optimisiation will enhance milking efficiency and reduce negative effects of milking machines on milk quality, sanitary status of the mammary gland and the incidence of mastitis, thereby improving cow health, welfare, performance and profitab