Joest et al. - Incomplete Milking during Peak to Mid Lactation - Supplemental.pdf
This study investigated the effects of automated short-term incomplete milking (IM) during peak to mid-lactation on milk production, udder health, and selected metabolic parameters in multiparous Holstein cows. Forty-six cows (94 ± 47 DIM) were randomly assigned to a control group (CON; n = 23, 95 ± 49 DIM, lactation number 3.0 ± 1.3) or a treatment group (TRT; n = 23, 93 ± 46 DIM, lactation number 2.6 ± 0.8). In TRT cows, IM was implemented using specialized software that precisely controlled milk withdrawal and concentrate allocation to milk yield and DIM via transponder-controlled stations was dynamically adjusted, otherwise all cows had ad libitum access to partial mixed-ration and water via automated weighing troughs and bowls. The IM protocol included a gradual reduction phase (1st IM phase: 9% daily reduction to ~40% over 5.5 d), followed by a constant reduction phase (2nd IM phase: 40% reduction over 5.5 d). All participating cows showed no clinical signs of mastitis and had negative bacteriological results, confirming udder health. Presented in this repository is the frequency of milk leakage in the milking parlor and barn boxes as well as the last milk flow at the moment of cluster removal.
