Milking Dynamics and Teat Health in Dairy Cows

Milking dynamics encompass the fluid mechanics of milk removal and the mechanical interaction between milking equipment and bovine teat tissue. Optimal milking relies on precise control of vacuum levels, pulsation rates and liner geometry to achieve complete, rapid and comfortable milk evacuation while preserving the integrity of the teat canal and skin. Teat health underpins udder welfare and milk quality: excessive vacuum or prolonged milking can induce hyperkeratosis, callosity formation and tissue congestion, increasing susceptibility to mastitis. Conversely, insufficient vacuum or poor liner fit may cause liner slips, air admission and bimodal milk flow, leading to incomplete milking, extended milking time and impaired animal comfort. Advances in sensor technology and machine settings now enable real-time monitoring of vacuum dynamics, milk flow patterns and liner performance, facilitating adjustment of equipment to the cow’s teat morphology and lactation status. The integration of biological understanding of teat anatomy with engineering improvements yields parlor systems that maintain high yield, robust teat health and enhanced dairy cow welfare on a global scale.

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Milking Dynamics and Teat Health in Dairy Cows publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in milking dynamics and teat health in dairy cows across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Bimodal milk flow: A two-phase milk ejection pattern arising when cisternal and alveolar milk are removed in separate peaks.

Overmilking: Extension of vacuum application beyond complete milk removal, leading to teat-barrel congestion and tissue stress.

Milking liner slip: Loss of seal between teat and liner lip, causing air admission and disrupted vacuum consistency.

Teat hyperkeratosis: Thickening of the teat skin at the orifice due to repeated mechanical abrasion, increasing mastitis susceptibility.

References

1. Comparison of Sensor-Based and Audible Detection of Milking Liner Slips during Machine Milking of Dairy Cows. Sensors (2024).
2. Milking Machine Settings and Liner Design Are Important to Improve Milking Efficiency and Lactating Animal Welfare—Technical Note. AgriEngineering (2023).
3. Bimodal milk flow and overmilking in dairy cattle: risk factors and consequences. Animal (2023).