University of Wisconsin

Milking Research and Instruction Laboratory

Research Programs

MRIL faculty and staff have work with dairy producers, Extension faculty, the milking equipment industry, dairy processors and electric power suppliers to identify and prioritize research programs.  Support in the form of equipment donations and ongoing consultation and dialogue is being provided by all of the major milking machine manufacturers. The lab has conducted research in the following areas:

• Interactions between the teatcup liner and the bovine teat in relation to udder health and milking performance

• Methods of cleaning and sanitizing milking machines and diagnose leaning failures in the field

• Milking System design and performance testing.  The lab has done a number of studies for the revision of national and international standards on milking machine design and testing

• Energy conservation and electric load management in Dairy Facilities

• Farm wiring, stray voltage detection, and effects of electrical environment on Dairy Cows.