A comparison between manual prestimulation versus feeding stimulation during milking in dairy cows

Varying results regarding milking performance have been shown when cows have both been fed during milking and given manual udder stimulation shortly before milking. To study the effects of this on milking performance, 16 cows were subjected to four management routines: a) milking (M), b) feeding during milking (MF), c) manual teat stimulation before milking (MS), and d) milking with feeding and prestimulation (MFS). In evening milkings, yields of protein and lactose were higher in MFS than in M, and lactose content was higher in MFS than in MF and MS. Fat content in the milk fraction taken after milkings was higher in MF than in MS, indicating a better milk removal from the udder. Machine-on time was shorter in MFS than in M, and in morning milkings, the average milk flow was higher in MFS than in M and MS. The two treatments with simultaneous feeding and milking (MF and MFS) gave the highest individual plasma levels of oxytocin, when measured during both morning and evening milkings in two cows. A positive correlation between oxytocin and HR was noted. This study indicates that a management routine with both feeding at onset of milking and prestimulation might be recommended in dairy production.