The Effect of Reducing Milking Frequency – SRUC Dairy Farms Case Study

The Effect of Reducing Milking Frequency – SRUC Dairy Farms Case Study

Are there benefits to be had from moving from a 3x milking system to 2x?  Perhaps the main reason to change is to reduce milk output, based on your milk buyers requirements with the current impact of COVID-19 on dairy markets. However, reducing milking frequency may not necessarily significantly reduce milk output as discovered at SRUC’s three dairy units.

• The milking interval will have an impact on the response to 2x milking. Keeping to a 12 hour interval could minimise the drop in production.
• Be aware that cell counts and mastitis count increase, but with attention to detail in the parlour and keeping cows clean, milk hygiene quality can be maintained.
• There are benefits for staff, reduced labour and other costs associated with a 3rd milking.

Download this Case Study to read the details on the dairy herd performance at each of SRUC’s South West milking herds.