Vol. 9, Special Issue 1 (2024)

Author(s): Naveen Kumar P, Vivek M Patil, Mahadevappa D Gouri, Shivaraj BM, Ramchandra B and Madhusudhan HS

Abstract: An evaluation of two milking methods—hand milking system (HMS) and community machine milking system (CMS) in the jurisdiction of the Kolar-Chikkaballapura Milk Union Ltd. Karnataka, India was undertaken. 3 villages having functioning community milking stations were randomly selected from each district, giving a total of 6 villages. In each village, 12 dairy farmers, 6 using hand milking system and 6 using community milking system, were randomly selected. The milk microbiological quality of 216 lactating cows belonging to the respondents was studied. Somatic Cell Count (1.66±0.077) and Methylene Blue Reduction Time grade (1.97±0.058) were superior in HMS as compared to CMS (2.29±0.089 and 2.28±0.049, respectively), both being within the acceptable range, possibly due to lower level of sanitation in machine milking. There was no significance difference in CMS and HMS for California Mastitis Test. Better milk microbiological quality can be obtained in CMS by adoption of fore-stripping and mastitis testing; use of disposable paper napkins for wiping the teats; post-milking teat dipping and cluster sanitization; regular maintenance of milking machines; frequent inspection and replacement of liners, and adequate training of staff in maintenance of the milking machines.