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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #143779
Title: STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING HERD MILK PRODUCTION THROUGH MORE FREQUENT MILKING

Author
item HALE, SARAH - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
item VARNER, MARK - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
item ERDMAN, RICH - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
item Capuco, Anthony

Submitted to: Dairy Talk
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2002
Publication Date: 5/1/2002
Citation: Hale, S., Varner, M., Erdman, R., Capuco, A.V. 2002. Strategies for increasing herd milk production through more frequent milking. Maryland Dairy Talk. Vol.5, No. 2, pp 1-2.

Interpretive Summary: One of the most common ways for dairy producers to increase milk production is by increasing milking frequency. Frequent milking during early lactation may not only increase milk yield during the frequent milking period, but also produce carry-over effects that last well into lactation. Furthermore, to produce increases in subsequent milk yield, the duration of the intervals between milking do not have to be the same, and frequent milking may only have to occur during the first 3 weeks after calving. By simply manipulating milking schedules, increased milking frequency in early lactation may be a relatively non-labor intensive and economically beneficial way to increase a herd's milk production.

Technical Abstract: One of the most common ways for dairy producers to increase milk production is by increasing milking frequency. Frequent milking during early lactation may not only increase milk yield during the frequent milking period, but also produce carry-over effects that last well into lactation. Furthermore, to produce increases in subsequent milk yield, the duration of the intervals between milking do not have to be the same, and frequent milking may only have to occur during the first 3 weeks after calving. By simply manipulating milking schedules, increased milking frequency in early lactation may be a relatively non-labor intensive and economically beneficial way to increase a herd's milk production.