Research Information System
15th International Congress on Agricultural Mechanization and Energy in Agriculture, ANKAgEng 2023, Antalya, Turkey, 29 October - 01 November 2023, vol.458 LNCE, pp.309-328, (Full Text)
The number of dairy cows in Turkey increased from approximately 5 million to 7 million, while annual raw milk production rose from 8.7 million tons to 21.8 million tons between 2000 and 2020. However, despite these improvements, the average milk yield per cow still falls below ideal levels. Improving the milking routine and ensuring that milking machines meet standardized technical parameters can further enhance the average lactation milk yield. Enhancing the milking routine and aligning the technical parameters of milking systems with internationally recognized standards can increase the average yield per cow from the current 3,500–4,000 L per year to 5,000–6,000 L per year, representing a 25–30% increase in milk yield. This study was carried out in the Bozanönü District of Isparta province, involving 20 dairy enterprises. The evaluation of the milking system's components was based on pulsation tests conducted on the milking units. Additionally, the adherence of milkers (milking personnel) to the key components of the milking routine during machine milking was determined through the stopwatch method, relying on the work and time study technique. The objective of this study was to assess the compliance of milking machine configurations and the milking routine to internationally established standards (ISO standards), with the shared aim of improving udder health, milk yield, and quality. The findings of this study indicate that the use of properly configured milking machines in conjunction with appropriate milking routines significantly increases the quantity and quality of milk that can be obtained per cow.