The rapid growth of industrialization in the country has led to the modernization of work in almost every sector. Dairy farming is one such sector with the introduction of milking machines.
A milking machine consists of five main components, the vacuum pump, vacuum controller, pulsation system, milk transport system, i.e., buckets or pipeline, and the milker unit or cluster, i.e., the tea cup assembly and bowl. Each must be excellently designed, assembled, maintained, and operated properly for a long-lasting experience.
This article outlines some factors to consider before purchasing a milking machine. The milking machine price in Kenya is affected by these factors.
- The volume of milking needed
The volume addresses the number of cows a farmer has for milking. It could affect the type of milking machine you will purchase. For example, a small-scale dairy farmer could have around twenty to forty cows for milking. They should opt for the portable double cow milking machine suitable for their volume. A farmer with over fifty cows should opt for the barn milking machine system.
The milking machine price in Kenya depends on the volume a farmer has to deal with.
- The source of energy
A milking machine has electrical components within it; therefore, it will need a steady source of electrical power. Each will have its designed power usage. The price will defer from one machine to the other.
- The milk production levels
Milking machines produce more milk from the cow than traditional milking methods. Regardless of the number of cows, farmers will record an increase in their yield.
- Portability
The price depends on the type of machine you want to purchase. There are three kinds; portable milking machines, barn milking machines, and milking parlors.
Small-scale farmers mostly opt for the portable milking machine as it takes less space and is easy to maneuver around the farm. Large-scale farmers, on the other hand, opt for either barn milking machines or milking parlous. These machines are fixed and can handle milking a large number of cows.
- The quality and cost of employing manual labor
Some farmers hire employees and go the traditional way of milking cows. Although the initial cost of a milking machine is high, the quality of milk production will be higher. Manual laborers often take longer when milking and need more benefits of maximum milk production.
The initial cost of a milking machine might be expensive, but the investment will come will more privileges.
- Safety and comfortability
A milking machine must be one that cannot hurt the cow or scare it during its operation. It will lead to low milk yield, and thus the farmer might regret purchasing the machine in the first place.
Ensure that the machine you purchase is harmless and keeps the cow comfortable for maximum milk production.
- The price of the milking machine
Amidst all the considerations, the final one is the price of the milking machine, which will depend on the budget range you are willing to invest in purchasing one while putting the other considerations in place.
Conclusion
There are many factors, and not all can be exhausted. This article has covered the main points to consider before buying a milking machine.
