The effect of altering milking interval when milking 3 times in 2 days on milk and component yields in pasture-based dairy systems

Dairy farmers face challenges attracting and retaining staff, partly due to the difficulty meeting desires of modern workforce. These include flexible work hours regular time off. The task milking fundamentally impacts ability dairy meet these desires. Milking contributes a large proportion spent working on farms. number milkings (milking frequency) their timing interval) within day influence what in they occur. 3 times 2 d (3-in-2) reduces amount compared with twice (TAD), without reducing milk yield as much once (OAD). However, long intervals between 3-in-2 can still lead workday if are expected milkings. objective this study was determine effect interval frequency composition at stages lactation compare OAD TAD milking. Cows (n = 200) were milked 5 groups 40 3-in-2: 8–20–20 h, 10–19–19 12–18–18 along 24 h (OAD) 10–14 for 6 weeks early-lactation (mean ± 7 d) again mid-lactation 136 18 d). Milk yields recorded each samples collected weekly composition. At both early- there no significant differences (P > 0.05) milk, fat, protein or lactose intervals. produced 8% less than cows 14% more OAD, smaller observed 3-in-2. For frequency, shorter be implemented days when twice. This may allow shorten using 3-in-2, compromising component yields.