Summary
The
results of research into the milking of mares of the Murgese breed
are described. A comparison was made between hand and mechanical
milking with two pulsation rates (120 and 140 cycles/min) with
the objective of defining mechanical and operational solutions for
the design or standardisation of machine milking of mares with special
reference to the Murgese breed. The study was performed on four
multiparous mares, after a suitable adaptation period. The trial
lasted 45 days, during which the animals were milked twice a day.
Research showed considerable advantages, both from productive and
technical manipulation viewpoints, of milking this species by mechanical
means, rather than by hand. Moreover, mechanical milking at 140
cycles/min provided better results than other techniques examined,
as it is possible to obtain the best milk production, the smallest
specific power consumption and, in addition, the highest working
capacity and labour productivity. The adaptation of the animals
to mechanical milking and the resultant production can be considered
adequate. Mechanical and operating solutions are proposed for new
plants, together with adaptations to ensure security in existing
plants.
Keywords
Horses,
Italy, Mares, Milk, Milking, Milking plants, Stalls. |