Post by Jessika on Aug 30, 2010 8:29:53 GMT -5
I need some help coming up with a better system for machine milking the cows. As of right now, I'm a licensed grade A dairy and sell raw milk and cheese. I milk 6 cows, one at a time with a surge.
I need to try to make milking time faster so that I have more time to make cheese! I'm also pregnant and tired and the ONLY milker.
I'm hoping with a quicker, more user friendly system that I might actually be able to get a fill in milker, for once in awhile!
I can't afford a small pipeline and think its overkill with the present number I milk anyway, even though I'm hoping to increase to 12 cows in the next 2 years.
Here's what I need:
Faster, more reliable milking and quicker clean up. More reliable--less finicky pulsation. Also the surge doesn't fit all the cows all that well. Actually there are only 3 of the 6 that really have udders that suit the surge, and I've had a hard time hanging the bucket on 1 st calf heifers. I've been breeding short, stocky Jerseys.
I was thinking a 2 cow set up with 2 buckets that stay on the floor and just the claw hangs from the udder. I have no experience with that type, but am thinking its the better choice and I've also heard that the claws can be set up to " clean in place ". I already have the double bay sinks, required by the state anyway.
So, can anyone recommend a particular company, maybe some testimonial if you've had results like what I'm looking for? I love milking, but only have so many hours in the day and really need more time to actually make cheese.
Jessika
I need to try to make milking time faster so that I have more time to make cheese! I'm also pregnant and tired and the ONLY milker.
I'm hoping with a quicker, more user friendly system that I might actually be able to get a fill in milker, for once in awhile!
I can't afford a small pipeline and think its overkill with the present number I milk anyway, even though I'm hoping to increase to 12 cows in the next 2 years.
Here's what I need:
Faster, more reliable milking and quicker clean up. More reliable--less finicky pulsation. Also the surge doesn't fit all the cows all that well. Actually there are only 3 of the 6 that really have udders that suit the surge, and I've had a hard time hanging the bucket on 1 st calf heifers. I've been breeding short, stocky Jerseys.
I was thinking a 2 cow set up with 2 buckets that stay on the floor and just the claw hangs from the udder. I have no experience with that type, but am thinking its the better choice and I've also heard that the claws can be set up to " clean in place ". I already have the double bay sinks, required by the state anyway.
So, can anyone recommend a particular company, maybe some testimonial if you've had results like what I'm looking for? I love milking, but only have so many hours in the day and really need more time to actually make cheese.
Jessika