When machine milking was first developed more than a century ago, the teatcups comprised of hard, rigid casings and nothing else. This meant that by the end of milking teats were hard, swollen, deep red or blue and very sore to touch.

As this was not sustainable, the race for a solution (and patent) started between researchers in several countries. Two different groups came up with solutions at similar times, and they came up with the same answer – to put a flexible liner inside the shell.

Liners play a vital role in massaging the teat during milking. Milk is drawn from the teat under vacuum, but this has a side effect of also sucking blood and fluid into the teat tissue. If you have ever put your finger in a teatcup under vacuum you’ll know the discomfort you feel after a minute or two!

Rubber liners relieve this congestion by collapsing back against the teat every time the vacuum is released, about 60 times a minute throughout milking. This helps distribute the fluid in the teat tissue and restore circulation.

To do this job well the rubber of the liners has to be elastic and in good condition. In a normal day each liner is likely to be collapsing and expanding at least 7,000 times!

It is not possible to tell whether a liner is wearing out by just looking at it. The most reliable method of making sure your liners are in good condition is to replace them regularly - manufacturers recommend every 2,000 - 2,500 cow-milkings for rubber liners.

We credit the foundation of modern milking machines to an Australian - Alexander Gillies from Victoria. In 1903 his cluster design to keep cows comfortable and aid milk flow demonstrated the value of the flexible liner, and also included an air admission hole in the claw. The prize is nearly a century of effective machine milking!

Image and caption
NB1GE_5.jpg (need to flip) “Pulsation failure leads to teat damage”

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Farm Guideline 6.1

Keywords
pulsation

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