Technology today has made life easier in multiple ways and in particular our work lives. Ranging from a bone saw machine to a mobile phone, limiting the amount of energy and labor and today we will be discussing one such machine; the milking machine.
Most farmers have ventured more into various activities that involve the herding of various animals. Among such practices, dairy farming has flourished and has become a money-making career. Because of the high demand for dairy products, farmers have turned away from hiring excess labor to using automatic milking machinery to keep up.
A milking machine is a machine that draws out milk from a cow or any other animal. Its automation makes it much easier to manage milking routines while still acquiring quality milk from each cow. However, there are various factors one has to consider before using this method, or it might lead to disastrous results for both your business and your cattle.
Number of Dairy Cows
It is common practice to use a single milking machine for multiple cows. This strategy, at first glance, appears economical, but it can have other demerits along with the ways. If the herd size is significantly low a single milking machine could suffice, however, having a herd size of above 30 animals will strain your machinery.
The size of the herd directly affects the number of milking machines that need the installed. Having a proper estimation ensures that the milking machines purchased last longer and will require less maintenance rather than overtasking a single machine.
Power
Most milking machines run on electricity, so having a ready supply should be accounted for. This fact also helps to estimate the amount of power used during the process. Various milking machines use more power than others, depending on their size and additional functionalities.
Other alternatives run on manual labor or even solar power, but this factor directly affects a milking machine price in Kenya; the more energy it consumes, the more expensive it is.
Milk Production
Machine milking aid in stimulating higher milk yields, and this determines the additional functionalities a milking machine has. In a low-yielding herd, a less powerful one is more advisable since it doesn’t strain the cattle as much. Likewise, a more powerful alternative is best suited for a high-yield herd. Manual milking produces an average of 10 liters per cow but while using a milking machine and estimate of 18-20 liters is produced.
Routine Practice
This method of milking provides a high yield rate, but it only occurs with regular use of the machine. Mammals are adaptable species, and cows tend to develop habits over a given period. Having and maintaining fixed milking schedules and routines allows the cows to respond positively to the method yielding higher quality and quantity of milk.
In conclusion
These facts are few but are important, and should be considered when purchasing a milking machine. Having the appropriate milking routine and the proper number of milking machines will ensure high yields without straining the cattle
