Epi. 190 - Efficient Parlor Throughput with Milk Quality in Mind

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Juan Rodrigo Pedraza, AABP member and Zoetis Technical Services Veterinarian. This episode is brought to you by the AABP Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee. Pedraza starts by explaining what is parlor efficiency and throughput and why it is important for dairy farms. He cautions that recommendations to improve parlor efficiency should not sacrifice quality milk production and veterinarians can consult dairy clients on steps to improve both. 

There are many factors that we should consider when evaluating parlor efficiency. These include loading speed, pulsation rate and ratio, teat end vacuum, mouth piece vacuum and automatic take off settings. Pedraza explains that although specialized testing equipment is needed for some of these assessments, observing parlor procedures, timing and milk flow at the end of milking can be a first step in assisting producers with parlor efficiency. 

Pedraza also points out how veterinarians can work with employees in the milking parlor to improve procedures, emphasizing the importance of explaining why we are implementing procedures and delivering messaging appropriately. Veterinarians can play a valuable role in parlor procedures and fine-tuning milking equipment to improve parlor efficiency and milk quality.  

Find AABP resources from the Milk Quality and Udder Health committee resources page. A previous podcast on the importance of pre-milking stimulation that is reference in this podcast can be found here.  

Erskine RJ, Norby B, Neuder LM, Thomson RS. Decreased milk yield is associated with delayed milk ejection. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Jul;102(7):6477-6484. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-16219. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31030923.