The vacuum regime of the dual-mode milking machine

A dual-mode milking machine consisting of four modules (a twophase milking machine for milking in pairs, a module for quarter controlling the milk flow intensity, an electrical pneumatic block, and a milk pneumatic valve) has been designed. If the milk flow intensity in any quarter of the udder is low (less than 50cm3/ min) the milking machine works in the three-phase regime of simultaneous milking. If the milk flow intensity in all quarters is higher than 50cm3/min, the milking machine automatically switches to the two-phase regime of milking in pairs. The dual-mode milking machine is intended to be combined with the milking plant having milk pipeline in the tied cattle housing system. The aim of the vacuum regime research was to asce rtain the efficiency of using the dual-mode milking machine compared to the imported two-phase milking machines InterPuls and Duovac 300. The dual-mode milking machine has a shorter first milking phase completing with a lower underpressure value. It means that the three-phase regime of simultaneous milking leads to a complete reflex of milk flow. A relatively short second phase of milking having a sharp underpressure rise in the teat cup space of the milking machine prototype shows its ability to accomplish the withdrawal of the maximum milk flow while operating in the two-phase regime of milking in pairs. The pattern of changing the underpressure in the teat cup space of the dual-mode milking machine indicates the identity with machine stripping in the last phase of affecting the mammary gland by the three-phase regime of simultaneous milking. The average value of underpressure for the whole period of milking in the teat cup space of the dual-mode milking machine is lower than by using two-phase milking machines InterPuls and Duovac 300, which indicates its more comfortable (gentle) conditions of milk withdrawal.