Effects of Automatic Milking Systems on Raw Milk Quality and Milk Fat Properties with or without Feeding Protected Fat

자동착유시스템(AMS) 착유 및 보호지방 첨가 급여가 원유의 품질 및 유지방 특성에 미치는 효과

Automatic milking systems (AMS) have been increasingly introduced to Korean dairy farms. However, in comparison with conventional milking systems (CMS), some negative changes in milk quality are being observed. The use of AMS leads to an increase in milking frequency, which in turn might result in higher physical stress on the milk, possibly causing changes in the milk fat globule (MFG) membrane. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the different milking systems on the milk quality, with a focus on milk fat properties. At the same time, we studied the effect of feeding the dairy cows with protected fat. Raw milk samples were taken monthly from individual cows as well as from bulk tanks at four AMS and four CMS dairy farms. We measured quality-related parameters such as MFG size distribution, free fatty acid content and composition, and acid values. Although most results showed no significant differences with regard to the milking system, we found a relatively high positive correlation between MFG size and milk fat content. Moreover, larger MFG size was observed in the milk when cows had been fed protected fat. The significantly higher (P< 0.05) free fatty acid content of milk observed under this experimental condition could be attributed to higher milking frequency as a result of using AMS.