THE EFFECT OF FEEDING DURING MILKING ON MILK-PRODUCTION AND MILK FLOW

Different tactile teat stimulations have been applied to test whether or not the milk ejection reflex was strengthened with concomitant oxytocin secretion. As oxytocin also is released during feeding this study examines if feeding during milking affects milking parameters such as milk yield, machine-on time, milk flow and udder evaquation. The experiment was performed on twelve dairy cows in midlactation and the cows were exposed to milking, milking and feeding roughage, milking and feeding concentrate. Treatments with feeding during milking resulted in higher milk production, decreased machine-on time, increased udder evaquation and higher milk flow. The effects were most pronounced during morning milking.