Abstract:
Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. (1978) 12: 220 PRODUCTION OF COWS MILKED THREE TIMES EACH TWO DAYS G.A. ELDRIDGE* and JENNIFER CLARK* Inter-milking intervals of milk secretion rate (Wheelock et interval was less than 20 h, it labour by missing 1 milking in 4 less than 20 h do not markedly affect al., 1966). Consequently, if the milking may be possible to save 25% in time and without a large loss of production. The effect of milking 3 times each 2 days (10, 19 & 19 h intervals) on total production of milk (MP), fat (FP), protein (PP) and solids not fat (SP) between 4 and 32 weeks of lactation was studied by introducing cows to this treatment (T3) at 4 weekly intervals until 20 weeks after calving and comparing this production with cows milked twice daily (T4). Total production and apparent milk secretion rate (SR, kg/h) were analysed by stepwise regression operated at the 5% level of significance. The effect of T3 on mastitis was determined by analysis of variance. We observed that omitting a milking early in lactation caused distention of the udder, however, cow behaviour did not suggest undue discomfort. Although more total milk was lost when T3 was imposed early in lactation, less milk was lost per milking missed. This finding is supported by the SR data, suggesting that pressure within the mammary gland may not be the primary cause for the loss in production. Phillips (1965) found that Il[bore stimulation was required later in lactation for maximum production, which in part may explain our finding since T3 reduced overall stimulation by 25%. To implement such a system, a farmer must be prepared to suffer an economic loss or show a higher return for the labour saved. PHILLIPS, D.S.M. (J.965). Proc. Ruakura Farmers Con f. Week p. 223. WHEELOCK, J-V., ROOK, J.A. F ., DODD, F.G . , and GRIFF 1% TX. (1966). 33: J. Dairy Sci. C 161. * Animal Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Werribee, 3030. 220.