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milkingparlor

A milking parlor, sometimes written milkingparlor, is the area of a dairy operation where lactating animals are milked. It provides a controlled environment designed to extract milk efficiently while protecting milk quality and animal welfare. The parlor is typically connected to the barn or housing area and is laid out to support a steady workflow for both animals and workers.

Key components include milking stalls or units with teat cups attached to a centralized vacuum system and

Parlor layouts vary. Common designs include herringbone parlors, where cows stand at an angle to the operator;

Operation typically involves guiding cows into the parlor, cleansing the teats, attaching milking units, conducting the

Safety, hygiene, and welfare considerations are central. Cleanliness of equipment, proper handling to prevent injuries, mastitis

milk
lines
that
transport
milk
to
a
bulk
tank
or
processing
unit.
The
system
may
include
pulsators
that
regulate
suction,
a
milk
meter
or
data
system,
a
cooling/storage
apparatus,
and
cleaning-in-place
facilities
to
sanitize
equipment
between
cows.
Modern
systems
may
be
fully
automated
or
semi-automated,
and
some
use
robotic
milking
technology.
parallel
parlors,
with
cows
side
by
side;
tandem
parlors,
with
single-file
rows;
and
rotary
or
carousel
platforms
that
move
cows
through
the
milking
position.
Each
layout
aims
to
maximize
throughput
while
minimizing
handling
time
and
stress
on
the
animals.
milking
process,
and
directing
milk
to
cooling
or
storage.
Workers
monitor
milk
yield
and
udder
health,
and
data
collected
by
the
system
can
inform
herd
management,
equipment
maintenance,
and
milk
quality
control.
prevention,
and
energy
and
water
efficiency
all
influence
parlor
design
and
management.