KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund Cont’d from page 13 component of the system. By checking vacuum pump capacity and effective reserve (based on NMC guidelines) during scheduled maintenance, the technician will be able to identify causes and recommend solutions to prevent long-term effects of the vacuum system on udder health.
HAVE YOU HERD?
What’s Happening in Kentucky…
Chaney’s Milk is now on the shelf at 3 Bowling Green Kroger locations. This is 100% Jersey and KY Proud milk.
Amanda Coomer and Allen Hood got married!
KY lost a “One of a Kind” dairy farmer, Mark McCauley, on December 11. He will be missed by so many.
Gary Rock is now practicing how to walk with prosthetic legs. His benefit in November raised over $50,000 to aid him on his road to recovery.
Frosted Sieg Wammy ET was Supreme Champion Cow at the NAILE. She is owned by Sparrows of Fairdale Farm, LLC, Owenton, KY.
The Spencer Co. FFA Chapter won the National FFA Dairy Judging Competition again. Four out of the past six years.
Ellie and Dustin Waggoner (and Sadie), of LeCows Dairy are expecting twins! November-December 2013 • KDDC • Page 16
• Setting the Operating Vacuum According to the NMC, “An average claw vacuum between 10.5”Hg to 12.5”Hg (35 and 42 KPa) during the peak flow period is generally considered a good compromise to allow cows to be milked gently, quickly and completely.” After the adequate vacuum level is determined to operate the installation and milk the cows, it will be the vacuum regulator’s function to keep levels within the desired settings. A scheduled maintenance program will check the vacuum gauge accuracy, evaluate its performance, and service the controller to avoid changes in original settings due to overuse and component wear.
•Measuring Pulsation Performance The pulsation system is a key component of the milking system. Thanks to pulsation, vacuum can be applied to teats and create the pressure gradient needed to extract the milk safely from the udder. The pulsation system is responsible for the correct application of suction (or vacuum) and massage to the teat end. The pulsation system’s performance can be affected in several ways, from dirty air filters to defective components. Potential problems with the pulsation system can be detected by checking the pulsators’ performance with the Tri-Scan during scheduled maintenance. Parts that wear-out and filters should be replaced, and pulsators cleaned internally for continued optimal function, and optimal udder heath.
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