Instructions for a Surge Bucket Milker

By the late 19th century, dairy farmers were enjoying an increase in herd size among their milking cows. Along with these expanding assets, however, came greater intensity and duration required for milk extraction. Milking by hand became a more daunting and impractical procedure. While attempts were made during this period to automate the milking process, negative side-effects such as unsanitary environments, poor milk quality and injury to the cows resulted. By the early 1900s, recently developed pulsator technology combined with a new harness-based milker, invented by Herbert McCornack, resulting in the surge bucket milker. This technology simulated the suckling of calves, drawing the milk out without the detrimental consequences of previous machines.

Things You'll Need

  • Iodine solution
  • Teat wipes
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disinfect the machine prior to use with a chlorine-based sanitizing solution.

    • 2

      Extract a couple of squirts of milk from each teat manually, landing them on the black screen of a strip cup. This allows you to check the milk for any impurities or inconsistencies in texture.

    • 3

      Give each teat a 15-second rubdown with a sanitary teat wipe. Use one wipe per teat. Pre-dip each teat in an iodine solution formulated for pre-treatment. Your dairy supplier will carry this item. Dry each teat with a clean towel, again using one towel per teat.

    • 4

      Hang and adjust the leather strap over the cow's back, securing it in a position that does not require any stretching or twisting of teat or udder.

    • 5

      Power on the milker and rapidly move the lined cups toward each teat. Let the vacuum suction pull the teat to the cup with minimum interference on your part. The teat need only sit 1/2 inch in the cup.

    • 6

      Pinch off the tubes between cups and bucket when the flow of milk has weakened to a trickle. Gingerly remove the cups from the teats. Dip each teat again in iodine and dry as before.

    • 7

      Keep the cow on her feet immediately after milking. Provide hay and clean water to occupy her. This gives time for the teats to close off, keeping infectious organisms out.