melktijden

Melktijden, a Dutch term meaning milking times, refers to the scheduled periods when dairy cows are brought to the milking facility or linked to an automatic milking system. In most dairy operations the goal is to balance steady milk production with cow comfort and food intake. The timing and frequency of milking are influenced by the herd’s lactation stage, breed, parities, and management objectives.

Traditionally, many dairy farms practice two daily milking sessions, commonly in the morning and evening, roughly twelve hours apart. This cadence aligns with natural feeding and rest cycles and supports a consistent supply of milk. Some farms, especially those with high-producing cows or rotating shifts, may add a third milking or employ variable schedules during peak lactation.

Automatic milking systems (AMS) and robotic milking stations have transformed melktijden by enabling more flexible or cow-initiated milking. In AMS, cows prepare, enter, and are milked on their own schedule, while farm managers set targets for milk yield, parlor usage, and hygiene. Regardless of system, milking intervals are planned to optimize yield, udder health, and labor efficiency.

Welfare and productivity considerations emphasize regular, predictable milking times, proper cow comfort, clean facilities, and appropriate nutrition. Irregular schedules can increase stress, disrupt rumination, and affect milk quality. Effective melktijden management thus integrates animal welfare, equipment capacity, and economic performance.