Evaluating Milking Systems: When and Why

From the NMC Newsletter "Udder Topics", October 2004

According to the recently-revised NMC publication “Procedures for Evaluating Vacuum Levels and Airflow in Milking Systems” (published 2004), a complete system evaluation should be performed for any new installation, as part of a scheduled maintenance program, after major modifications to the system, or if milking time tests indicate a potential problem.

After a complete evaluation has been performed and specific performance data recorded, subsequent spot checks of selected measurements (e.g. operating vacuum, effective reserve) can be compared to these benchmark data as an indication of a change of status of the milking machine.

There may be many reasons to suggest changes to a milking system, including:

-- Improved milking performance (speed or completeness of milking).
-- Improved mastitis control and milk quality.
-- Decreased power or energy consumption.
-- Decreased wear on pump components.
-- Improved cleaning performance.
-- Improved aesthetic or cosmetic appeal.

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