The Liner is the contact between the milking machine and the cow. Liners differ in sizes, materials, brands, lifespan and functions. What the Liners have in common is that it is an essential part of the milk system. However, the Liner a wear part and will wear out over time. This wear and tear can cause a Liner milks less effectively and can even be harmful to the cows and milk production.
The role of the Liners
The Liners are the interface between the milking machine and the cow. The Liner is mounted in a milk cup. The teat cup is a shell made of a hardened material such as plastic and metal. It is important that the milk cup and the Liner have a good fit and therefore fit together well.
The Liner creates a vacuum around the teat, causing milk to be sucked from the teat through a pulsating movement. Also called opening and closing the liner with a suction force under the teat. One important thing here is Liner that massages the teat sufficiently. Massaging the teat stimulates the cow's milk ejection reflex, causing the cow to let out her milk (Zwertvaegher & ILVO T&V Agrotechnique, 2010).
Signs of a worn out one Liner
A Liner must be replaced within the recommended lifespan specified by the manufacturer. A Liner wears out and loses its elasticity. The material from which the Liner exists determines the lifespan of the lining. For example, natural rubber lasts 600 to 800 milkings, while synthetic rubber lasts 1,200 to 2,500 milkings. The silicone Liner lasts 3,000 to 5,000 milkings. A Liner wears due to elastic movement of the pulsation stroke. This causes it to lose its elasticity. This is visible in the form of hairline cracks and deformation. In addition, the Liner cleaned with hot water and possibly acidic cleaning agent. This places great demands on the material, making the material thinner (Zwertvaegher & ILVO T&V Agrotechnique, 2010).
The importance of timely replacement
To avoid problems, it is essential Liners to be replaced in a timely manner. By replacing them in a timely manner they can:
- Maintain the health and well-being of their cows.
- Maximize or maintain milk productivity.
- Reduce/prevent the risk of mastitis or other health problems around the udder (Zwertvaegher & ILVO T&V Agrotechnique, 2010).
Impact Liner on health and productivity
Failure to replace a worn one in a timely manner Liner can impact health as well as productivity at cows. Possible effects may include:
- Greater infection pressure: A worn out Liner can cause friction and irritation of the teat. This can damage the teat. at Damage to the teat increases the risk of ingress of pathogens such as mastitis. Diseases among animals are bad for the well-being of the animal and cost the farmer money.
- Worse teat condition: Due to milking with a worn one Liner can damage the teat. Overloading the teat can cause teat tip calluses. Teat tip calluses can lead to reduced production and painful milking processes (Neijenhuis, 1995).
- More residual milk that remains in the udder: Due to a worn out Liner the teat is not massaged sufficiently, which provides insufficient stimulation for milking. This may result in the quarter of an hour being insufficiently exhausted. This means that residual milk remains in the quarters. This can cause an increased risk of infections, reduced production and clogged milk ducts at its occurrence regularly (Lely, n.d.).
- Slower milking: Can cause more teat load, which is bad for teat quality. In addition, longer milking times can reduce the capacity of the robot. This increases the free time and the number of milkings Milking robot, off.
- Discomfort at the cows: A worn one Liner causes discomfort during the milking process. This can lead to an increased stress level at dairy cattle. This can weaken a cow's immune system and increase susceptibility to diseases and infections (Bruckmaier & Blum, 1998).
Thanks to Corné van Zeelst
Bibliography:
Bruckmaier, R. M., & Blum, J. W. (1998). Oxytocin Release and Milk Removal in Ruminants. Journal of Dairy Science, 81(4), 939–949. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75654-1
Lely. (n.d.). The importance of full milking in connection with maintaining or achieving good udder health. Lely. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.lely.com/nl/advies/lely-consumables/udder-health-items/the-importance-of-full-milking/#:
Neijenhuis, F. (1995). Teat tip callosity in practice. Practical research on cattle, sheep and horses , 19–21. https://edepot.wur.nl/47496
Zwertvaegher, I., & ILVO T&V Agrotechnique. (2010, March 12). Strive for the right one Liner. Dairy cattle, 14–16. https://edepot.wur.nl/280518