Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University
MAFSUNVC
Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur

Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University

Nagpur Veterinary College · Extension Education Initiative

Dairy Farming

Milking Management and Clean Milk Production

Milking Management and Clean Milk Production
  1. India has about 43 breeds of cattle and 16 breeds of buffaloes that are distributed across the country and agro-climatic conditions. While there is no ‘ideal breed’ choices are specific to the purpose they serve and to the farming environment, production system, breeding system and market requirements, and most importantly, the socio-economic status of the farmer.
  2. Broadly, the purpose of rearing dairy animals is for milk, draught (work) or for both (dual purpose). Dairy animals are also reared for dung (as manure), urine, etc.
  3. While choosing a breed, it is best to buy those from the home tracts or local farmers rearing that breed rather than bringing in a breed from afar.
  4. In general, cattle from drier regions are well built while those from heavy rainfall, coastal and hilly regions are smaller in build.

Selection of dairy cows

Following guidelines will be useful for selection of a diary cow.

  1. Whenever an animal is purchased from a cattle fair, it should be selected based upon its breed characters and milk producing ability.
  2. History sheet or pedigree sheet which are generally maintained in organized farms reveals the complete history of animal.
  3. The maximum yields by dairy cows are noticed during the first five lactations. So generally selection should be carried out during First or Second lactation and that too are month after calving.
  4. There successive complete milking has to be done and an average of it will give a fair idea regarding production by a particular animal.
  5. A cow should allow anybody to milk, and should be docile.
  6. It is better to purchase the animals during the months of October and November.
  7. Maximum yield is noticed till 90 days after calving.

Breed characteristics of high yielding dairy cows

  1. Attractive individuality with feminity, vigour, harmonious blending of all parts, impressive style and carriage
  2. Animal should have wedge shaped appearance of the body
  3. It should have bright eyes with lean neck
  4. The udder should be well attached to the abdomen
  5. The skin of the udder should have a good network of blood vessels
  6. All four quarters of the udder should be well demarcated with well placed teats