Field test of milling machines for sheep as a basis for new standards

In many countries, new specific standards for sheep and goats are being devised based on ISO standards for cows and water buffaloes. Field tests were carried out in order to measure and thus define the main working parameters of milking machines installed in milking parlours. The results obtained indicate that teatcup attachment is critical for vacuum stability because, during this procedure, air inlet is measured at 600 l/min. The criteria, therefore, to determine the effective reserve may be based on the number of milkers rather than on the number of milking units.