Effects of Prolonged Milking Intervals on Cow Milk Quality
Author Information
Author(s): Lakic Branislav, Wredle Ewa, Svennersten-Sjaunja Kerstin, Östensson Karin
Primary Institution: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there a special mechanism behind the changes in somatic cell and polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts, and composition of milk after a single prolonged milking interval in cows?
Conclusion
The prolonged milking interval resulted in increased somatic cell count and proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but no adverse effect on milk quality was observed.
Supporting Evidence
- The proportion of PMN increased sharply during the prolonged milking interval.
- SCC peaked in the second milking after the prolonged milking interval.
- Milk composition changed with increased fat and protein content after the prolonged milking interval.
Takeaway
When cows are milked less often, their milk can have more white blood cells, but it doesn't make the milk bad.
Methodology
Milk samples were taken twice daily for 12 days, analyzing somatic cell count, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and milk composition before and after a 24-hour milking interval.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific conditions of the study environment and the selection of cows.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific breed and lactation stage of cows, which may not represent all dairy cows.
Participant Demographics
Twenty-nine Swedish Red cows, mostly in mid-lactation and in their first or second lactation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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