Economic Aspects of Lacto-Corder Utilization for Improvement of Lactating Cows' Productivity Control

Costs related to the control of lactating cows and milk sampling are quite high, but obtained data and their accuracy are not satisfactory. Consequently, results of selection assessment of bulls’ fathers and mothers are not complete (Sprengel et al., 2001). Costs of milk productivity control are mostly covered by producers themselves, which directly affects their financial profit. As a solution for such situation, Bavarian authorities in cooperation with scientific institutes started using a new measuring device called Lacto-Corder (Dodenhoff et al., 1999; Dodenhoff et al., 2000). This device is more efficient in assessing cows’ productivity, lactating ability and udder health, and is also used for milk sampling (Worstorff, 1993). Lacto-Corder as a measurement device is recognized by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR). The device is composed of two parts, one being hydraulic and the other electronic. Hydraulic part regulates milk flow through the measuring area, which further consists of 60 separate electrodes that measure milk flow each 0.7 seconds. Electronic part refers to operational area for data collection and storage (including keyboard and display). Advantage of milking with Lacto-Corder is a direct isolation of milk sample into coded bottle, which is further analyzed. It is relatively light (app. 2.3 kg) and small in size and adjusted to conditions of milking site, thus making measurement procedures easier. It is equipped with rechargeable battery lasting for 16 hours. Additional equipment of Lacto-Corder is: printer, diskettes, diskette reader and laptop. The aim of this paper is to introduce scientific and professional audience with advantages of Lacto- Corder and its potential users.