Time and Motion to Measure Milking Parlor Performance

Abstract

We describe the procedure for collecting data on time and motion to establish time for work routine in milking parlors. Data included entry and feeding of cows, preparing cows (wash, dry and foremilk), attaching milking machine, detaching milking machine, dipping and spraying of teats, exiting cows, and miscellaneous. Miscellaneous included waiting for cows to finish milking, adjusting milking machine, reattaching milking machine, washing milking machine between groups, washing floor between groups, and time out of parlor. Case studies are of time and motion for analysis of milking parlor performance for such as effects of parlor type and design, mechanization, equipment malfunction, milk production, and milking procedure. © 1986, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.