The Role of Machine Milking in Quality Milk Production and Ensuring Dairy Cow Welfare

The milking machine is only one of a number of factors that can and do have a significant influence on milk quality and animal welfare. In addition to bacterial contamination entering milk from the surfaces of the milking machine, milk quality is significantly influenced by operator routine, cow cleanliness and level of intramammary infection present in the herd. Management and control of the milking process, design and operation of the milking machine, and hygiene during milking require careful consideration in order to minimise the possibility of adverse effects on udder health and cow welfare. The effect of milking machines in quality milk production and on dairy cow welfare can only be discussed in the wider context of "machine milking". The term machine milking describes the interaction of milk extraction, using a milking machine, with the effects of operator routine, milking hygiene and udder health.