The effect of different milking techniques on the performance of the Anatolian water buffaloes

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of hand and machine milking on milk performance in buffaloes. Twenty-four adult Anatolian water buffaloes (AWB), the age of about (5 and 6 years) old at stage 35 to 37 days of lactation were randomly divided into two similar groups, 12 AWB in each group. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the machine milking group (2) significantly improved silage dry matter (DM), alfalfa DM and the total DM consumption of the buffalo compared to the handle milking group (1) (P<0.05), (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) While, a significant increase (P<0.01) was observed in the values of milk yield in the buffalo group (2) conducted machine milking compared to that Control group (1) (7.12 to 8.23 kg day-1). Another finding of the study was that the application of a pressure of 45 kPa increased the SCC compared to the handle milking group (1) (45.2-68.8x10 log mL-134.30%) (P<0.05). It was determined that regression equation between total DM and milk yield in machine milking was Y = -21.89+4.29 T**, regression coefficient was R2 = 0.868 and correlation coefficient was r = 0.932 (P<0.001). As a result of the research, the use of machine milking in buffalo enterprises can be recommended both in terms of increasing milk yield and facilitating work.