Research Article

The comparison of yield, composition and quality of cow milk depending on twice-a-day and four-times-a-day milking

Ewa Czerniawska-Piątkowska, Katarzyna Gralla, Małgorzata Szewczuk, Ewa Chociłowicz

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 11(4), 2012, 21‒30

Abstract. The aim of this study was the comparison of yield, composition and quality of cow milk depending on twice-a-day and four-times-a-day milking. The research was performed on Polish Holstein-Friesian cows of Black-and-White. It was found that milking frequency affected milk yield and composition. A higher daily milk yield was observed in winter, spring and summer for the four-times-a-day milking. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were recorded in spring and summer. Somatic cell count in milk was found to be the highest in autumn in both compared groups. The differences between groups were significant (P < 0.01). Is still necessary to have a real improvement quality of milk by following the appropriate procedures for its acquisition thereby enable the production of high-quality material.

Keywords: cows, milk composition, milking frequency, milk yield, somatic cell count