Thursday, March 28, 2024

Here is what you should consider when installing a milking machine

Most farmers in modern age have ventured in dairy farming.most of the farmers  have opted to go with milking machines when it comes to cow milking.However they are factors which come to play before one can go with this method. Here are the factors to put in mind as a farmers before installing a milk machine.

Number of dairy cows you have

Although you can install a milking machine for just one cow, it is not an economical undertaking. If the size of the herd ranges between 5 to 10 milking cows then the single cow milking machine is suitable. A herd size above 20 animals will require bigger sized machine.

The level of milk production.

Although milking machines can be used to stimulate higher milk yields it is not justifiable to install them for a low yielding herd. Manual milking for cows that produce more than 10 litres per session is often ineffective and milking machines should be considered.

The cost and quality of manual labour

The cost of labour throughout Kenya is not high and this may not be a major consideration but buying a machine is cheaper at the long term. Where the labour costs are high, automation is necessary so as to cut costs. But skilled milkers are scarce. Those employed to milk do not do a good job, often leaving milk in the udder. Farmers can solve this problem by going for the milking machines.

Infrastructure

Most milking machines are powered by electricity so a source of power is important. But where there is no power other alternatives are available in which simple combustion engines or solar energy is used to drive the vacuum and milk pumps.

Machine milking routine practices

Machine milking is a highly skilled operation that requires continued use to be perfected. Cows develop habits. If you establish and maintain a persistent milking routine cows will feel comfortable and respond positively with a steady production. An important part of the procedure is the control and prevention of mastitis.

Before you go out there and purchase a milking machine,consider these factors.

 

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