Mathematical Modelling of Vacuum Drops in Conventional and Quarter Individual Milking Systems Using Response Surface Methodology

The objective of this study was to develop empirical functions in order to predict vacuum drops in b and d-phase and in claw (or junction point) using response surface methodology (RSM) for both, conventional and quarter individual milking system. The independent variables considered in the study consisted of the system working vacuum, pulsation rate and ratio and milk flow rate. Experiments based on the central composite design (CCD), one of the designs in RSM and using water and artificial teat were conducted in the laboratory. The data obtained in the laboratory were then used to develop functions in polynomial form that allowed predicting the vacuum drops in b and d-phase and claw for both systems. The coefficient of the determination for all the models was above 93 % except the one developed for the vacuum drop prediction at junction point in quarter individual milking. It is believed that the models developed in this study will enhance the knowledge in machine milking and could be designed the systems for a better performance.