POPULARISING MILKING

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6108, 3 October 1947, Page 2

POPULARISING MILKING

SUGGESTIONS FROM RUAKURA IMPROVED METHODS Means whereby most of the unpleasant jobs associated with milking a dairy herd might be eliminated, were suggested by Mr W. G. Whittleston, of the Ruakura Animal Research Station, in a paper read at the Dairy Science Association's conference at Massey Agricultural .College. In dealing with the essential factors involved* in machine-milking, he said that the most efficient machine was one which had a stable vacuum—a good pump and a sensitive relief valve—a uniform action and no "gadgets" other than a flow-indicating sight glass to ensure that teat-cups were

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA not left on longer than was needed. Such a machine, operated on a complete non-strip basis (by either hand cr machine), with the elimination of leg-ropes, ( a hygienic time-saving improvement) and of back chains in many cases, would give a handling rate of 10 or more cows per hour on a single-bail plant with one man to three bails. "This milking technique is efficient and free from the usual unpleasantness," states Mr Whittleston. "Working on a 15-inch vacuum, with properly adjusted teat-cups and with a system providing slightlywarmed water for washing ths udders, we can eliminate most of the jobs in the shed that make milking unpopular."