Author
HALE, SARAH - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | |
VARNER, MARK - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | |
ERDMAN, RICH - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | |
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. |