Effect of pre-milking udder stimulation on milk parameters in crossbred cows

The objective of this study was to find out the effect of pre-milking udder stimulation on milk parameters in crossbred cows. Eighteen apparently healthy crossbred cows were randomly selected and divided into three treatment groups (6 in each group) namely T-1, T-2 and T-3 based on udder stimulation for one minute, two minutes and three minutes, respectively. Milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatment group T-2, fat (%) and SNF (%) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatment groups T-1 & T-3. No significant difference in acidity and specific gravity was observed among all the three groups. In treatment group T-1, milk yield showed significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with SNF. Fat percentage showed significant positive correlation (p<0.05) with SNF and acidity. SNF was positively (p<0.01) correlated with acidity. In treatment group T-2, milk yield showed significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with acidity. Fat percentage showed significant positive correlation (p<0.01) with acidity and significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with specific gravity. SNF was negatively correlated (p<0.05) with specific gravity. In treatment group T-3, negative correlation (p<0.01) was observed between milk yield and fat percentage. Positive correlation (p<0.01) was observed between milk yield and SNF. Fat percentage was positively correlated (p<0.01) with specific gravity. Milk yield was better when udder was stimulated for two minutes before milking and fat and SNF percentage were better when udder was stimulated either for one minute or three minutes before milking. For better milk yield, pre-milking udder stimulation for two minutes and for better fat or SNF, it is better to stimulate udder for one minute.