milkning

Milkning refers to the process of extracting milk from a female mammal, most commonly cows, but also goats, sheep, and other lactating animals. This practice is a cornerstone of the dairy industry, providing a significant source of nutrition for humans and a basis for numerous food products.

Historically, milkning was a manual process performed by hand. This involved rhythmic squeezing and pulling of the udder to stimulate milk letdown and its subsequent flow. While manual milkning is still practiced in some traditional or small-scale settings, modern dairy farming predominantly employs automated milking machines. These machines mimic the action of a calf suckling, using vacuum pressure and pulsations to extract milk efficiently and hygienically.

The frequency of milkning varies depending on the species, breed, and individual animal's milk production levels, but typically ranges from once to three times a day. Proper milkning technique and hygiene are crucial to ensure the health of the animal and the quality of the milk produced. Factors such as gentle handling, clean equipment, and appropriate storage are paramount to prevent contamination and maintain milk safety standards. The milkning process is carefully monitored to assess milk yield, quality parameters, and the overall well-being of the dairy animals.