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Fitas Da Cruz, Vasco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ordenha mecânica nas explorações de caprinos de Trás-os-Montes (Portugal): problemas e dificuldades para a sua divulgação
    Universida Politécnica de Madrid, 2014
    Co-Authors: Arbosa, José Carlos, Francisco José Sá Pereira, Fitas Da Cruz, Vasco
    Abstract:

    Na região de Trás-os-Montes (nordeste de Portugal) a exploração de cabras de leite, principalmente da raça Serrana, autóctone, é uma actividade relativamente importante do ponto de vista socioeconómico, porque se trata de uma região pobre e onde são raras as actividades económicas alternativas para a população rural. Para o desenvolvimento da actividade e para a melhoria da qualidade e quantidade de leite produzido, é importante melhorar as condições de ordenha, especialmente quanto às instalações e equipamentos; e às condições de trabalho do ordenhador. A maioria das explorações de caprinos da região pratica a ordenha manual. Este tipo de ordenha tem vários problemas quanto às condições de trabalho e à qualidade do leite recolhido. Nos últimos anos desenvolveram-se várias acções no sentido de melhorar as condições de ordenha e de incentivar os criadores para a adopção de ordenha mecânica. No entanto, verificam-se alguns problemas e dificuldades dos criadores na adopção e utilização destes equipamentos. Com este trabalho, pretende-se identificar os problemas e dificuldades que resultaram da adopção/utilização de equipamentos de ordenha mecânica em explorações de cabras de leite da região de Trás-os-Montes. O estudo da ordenha mecânica abrangeu vários aspectos: os equipamentos utilizados; a organização do trabalho e das instalações; e os procedimentos do ordenhador no trabalho de ordenha. Foram estudadas as explorações de caprinos de raça Serrana da região de Trás-os-Montes que utilizam qualquer tipo de ordenha mecânica. A informação recolhida permite concluir que há dificuldades na adaptação ao uso de novas técnicas de ordenha e equipamentos. Os problemas estão, principalmente, relacionados com a organização do trabalho e do local da ordenha, e com a aprendizagem da correcta utilização dos equipamentos. De futuro, será importante considerar o desenvolvimento de acções de apoio técnico aos criadores, no sentido de melhorar as instalações/local de ordenha e a utilização dos equipamentosIn the national context, the region of Trás-os-Montes, in Northeastern Portugal, is one of the most depopulated and least favoured areas. In this region, goat breeding has great socioeconomic importance due to the number of families that are economically dependent on these activities. This importance is particularly due to the scarcity of alternative economic activities. To improve goat breeding, milk production and milk quality, it is important to enhance Milking conditions, mainly in facilities, equipment and working conditions. Presently, there are very few farms with Milking Machines. Mostly, goats are hand-milked inside the shelters. As a result of actions carried out over the recent years involving strategies to improve Milking conditions on goat farms in the region, some breeders adopted mechanical Milking. For these breeders, mechanical Milking is a new technology, they are inexperienced and they lack knowledge about the correct use of these Machines and best Milking practices. To study mechanical Milking we established the following aspects to consider: working organization and facilities, Milking operations, and procedures performed by milkers. Goat farms that used mechanical Milking in the region of Trás-os-Montes were studied. From the information collected, it was found some difficulties in the adaptation to the use of new Milking techniques. Main problems are related to working organization, facilities and equipment utilization

  • Mechanical Milking on goat farms in Trás-os-Montes (Portugal): problems and difficulties
    Fundación General de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2014
    Co-Authors: Arbosa, José Carlos, Pereira Francisco, Fitas Da Cruz, Vasco
    Abstract:

    Na região de Trás-os-Montes (nordeste de Portugal) a exploração de cabras de leite, principalmente da raça Serrana, autóctone, é uma actividade relativamente importante do ponto de vista socioeconómico, porque se trata de uma região pobre e onde são raras as actividades económicas alternativas para a população rural. Para o desenvolvimento da actividade e para a melhoria da qualidade e quantidade de leite produzido é importante melhorar as condições de ordenha, especialmente quanto às instalações e equipamentos e às condições de trabalho do ordenhador. A maioria das explorações de caprinos da região pratica a ordenha manual. Este tipo de ordenha tem vários problemas quanto às condições de trabalho e à qualidade do leite recolhido. Nos últimos anos desenvolveram-se várias acções no sentido de melhorar as condições de ordenha e de incentivar os criadores para a adopção de ordenha mecânica. No entanto, verificam-se alguns problemas e dificuldades dos criadores na adopção e utilização destes equipamentos. Com este trabalho pretende-se identificar os problemas e dificuldades que resultaram da adopção/utilização de equipamentos de ordenha mecânica em explorações de cabras de leite da região de Trás-os-Montes. O estudo da ordenha mecânica abrangeu vários aspectos: os equipamentos utilizados; a organização do trabalho e das instalações; e os procedimentos do ordenhador no trabalho de ordenha. Foram estudadas as explorações de caprinos de raça Serrana da região de Trás-os-Montes que utilizam qualquer tipo de ordenha mecânica. A informação recolhida permite concluir que há dificuldades na adaptação ao uso de novas técnicas de ordenha e equipamentos. Os problemas estão, principalmente, relacionados com a organização do trabalho e do local da ordenha, e com a aprendizagem da correcta utilização dos equipamentos. De futuro, será importante considerar o desenvolvimento de acções de apoio técnico aos criadores, no sentido de melhorar as instalações/local de ordenha e a utilização dos equipamentosIn the national context, the region of Trás-os-Montes, in Northeastern Portugal, is one of the most depopulated and least favoured areas. In this region, goat breeding has great socioeconomic importance due to the number of families that are economically dependent on these activities. This importance is particularly due to the scarcity of alternative economic activities. To improve goat breeding, milk production and milk quality, it is important to enhance Milking conditions, mainly in facilities, equipment and working conditions. Presently, there are very few farms with Milking Machines. Mostly, goats are hand-milked inside the shelters.As a result of actions carried out over the recent years involving strategies to improve Milking conditions on goat farms in the region, some breeders adopted mechanical Milking. For these breeders, mechanical Milking is a new technology, they are inexperienced and they lack knowledge about the correct use of these Machines and best Milking practices. To study mechanical Milking we established the following aspects to consider: working organization and facilities, Milking operations, and procedures performed by milkers. Goat farms that used mechanical Milking in the region of Trás-os-Montes were studied. From the information collected, it was found some difficulties in the adaptation to the use of new Milking techniques. Main problems are related to working organization, facilities and equipment utilization.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

D J Reinema - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • NMC Annual Meeting Proceedings (2008) 75 ROBOTIC Milking: CURRENT SITUATION
    2015
    Co-Authors: D J Reinema
    Abstract:

    The population of farms using automatic Milking systems (AMS) has grown from the first installation a dairy farm in the Netherlands in 1992 to more than 8000 Milking units on more than 2400 farms today The vast majority of these farms are in north-western Europe, with the Netherlands having the largest installed base and Scandinavia showing the fastest growth rate in the past few years (Lind, 2007). Regulation and Standards The International Standards Organization (ISO) created a standard for automatic Milking installations (AMI), which was approved in 2007. The machine Milking group of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) suggested that, while many aspects of AMI are different than conventional Milking Machines, many aspects are also shared. It was decided to simultaneously create a new standard for AMI containing those aspects unique to this new technology and to revise the Milking machine standards to update them and revise them to allow seamless reference from the AMI standard. This International standard specifies requirements for construction including specific safety and hygiene aspects and minimum performance requirements and testing for AMI. It does not contain requirements for the design of the building in which the Milking installation is installed. Appendix Q to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) governing the Operation of Automatic Milking Installations (AMI) for the Production of Grade "A " Raw Milk for Pasteurization wa

  • Sizing Milking System Milklines and Airlines
    2015
    Co-Authors: D J Reinema, Assista Professo, Agricultural Engineering
    Abstract:

    The design of modern Milking systems is the result of extensive field experience and trial and error. As Milking systems become more complex, particularly in automated Milking parlors, there is increasing need for engineering information for design and troubleshooting. There are several piping systems in a modern Milking machine which must be sized to perform Milking and CIP cleaning functions properly. The various piping systems must carry milk, air, or both while maintaining the proper vacuum levels to perform the Milking function. The flow paths of milk and air for typical pipeline and recorder Milking systems are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The piping systems which may be found in Milking Machines and their functions are: In pipeline systems- those systems without recorder (weigh) jars Milklines transport milk and air from the Milking unit to the receiver in pipeline systems. Milklines supply Milking vacuum to the claw. Steady air flow unobstructed by undersized lines or slugs of milk will produce a reasonably stable Milking vacuum supply throughout the milkline system. In recorder systems- those systems with recorder (weigh) jar

  • Paper No. 963087 An ASAE Meeting Presentation Dairy Cow Sensitivity and Aversion to Short Duration Transient Currents
    2015
    Co-Authors: D J Reinema, Laverne E. Stetso, Patrick J. Reilly, Nellie K. Laughli, Ph. D
    Abstract:

    This paper summarizes research relating to the sensitivity of dairy cows to a variety of transient current waveforms. The phase duration of stimuli ranged from 10 micro seconds to 8.3 milliseconds (effective frequency from 50,000 to 60 Hz). Characterization of the effects of waveform (monophasic sinusoidal, monophasic exponential decay, biphasic and multiple cycle) transients are presented. Exposure pathways included: muzzle to four hooves, both with a direct application to the nose and via water bowl exposure, teat to hooves via Milking Machines and via direct skin contact. The effects of hoof condition and hoof trimming were also studied. The sensitivities of over 120 cows were determined for a single cycle 60 Hz transient current. The relationship between sensitivity to transient current and aversion to water were examined for a 6000 Hz transient current applied to a water bowl

  • The History of Vacuum Regulation Technology
    2015
    Co-Authors: D J Reinema
    Abstract:

    An inordinate amount of time, money and anguish has been invested in changing the ways that vacuum is controlled in Milking Machines. These extraordinary efforts have not resulted in a commensurate improvement in Milking performance. There are two fundamental methods of influencing the vacuum in the Milking machine: 1) a device to regulate ‘system ’ vacuum, usually located near the receiver and 2) design and configuration of system components to reduce the vacuum difference between the regulated system vacuum and the vacuum at the teat end. The ‘system ’ regulation devices are the primary emphasis in this paper but the influence of components and design will also be covered to put these two contributions to Milking vacuum stability in perspective. System regulation devices control the vacuum at a point downstream (in the direction of airflow) of the receiver. This control strategy tragically, CANNOT have any influence on the major causes of vacuum drop between the milkline and the Milking unit and vacuum stability at the teat end, namely (in approximate order of significance): • Vacuum drop in the long milk tube and the associated vacuum fluctuations caused by slugs of milk in the tube and intermittent air admission to the Milking unit

  • Milking Machines and Milking parlors
    Handbook of Farm Dairy and Food Machinery Engineering (Second Edition), 2013
    Co-Authors: D J Reinema
    Abstract:

    A well-designed Milking machine will harvest milk quickly and gently, make efficient use of labor, maintain animal udder health, and will be easy to clean and sanitize. This chapter provides an overview of Milking machine components, their function and design criteria to meet these goals. Milking Machines have specific requirements regarding slope of pipelines and physical relationships between animals and Machines. Other physical relationships, while although not absolutely required, will greatly improve the performance of the Milking system. Further detail is provided in this chapter on the design of Milking parlors and the specific requirements for the different areas of a Milking parlor regarding sanitary construction methods and accommodation of the Milking machine.

M Zaninelli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the use of infrared thermography for the monitoring of udder teat stress caused by Milking Machines
    Animal, 2019
    Co-Authors: F M Tangorra, V Redaelli, F Luzi, M Zaninelli
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to test infrared thermography (IRT) as a possible tool for scoring teat color changes after cluster removal; thus, indirectly, to classify the short-term stress of teats caused by Milking Machines. Thermographic images (n = 137) from three farms were collected and evaluated to calculate the average and maximum skin surface temperatures (SSTs) at the base, center, and tip of each teat (Tavg,B, Tavg,C, Tavg,T, Tmax,B, Tmax,C, and Tmax,T). Obtained results confirmed a significant relationship between the indicators Tavg, Tmax and the levels of teat color change (level one: pink-colored teat; level two: red-colored teat; level three: blue or purple-colored teat). Nevertheless, when a teat was considered to be stressed because its scoring fell in level 3 of the color-change scale used, sensitivity and specificity in the classification of the teat status ranged respectively between 45.6% and 54.3%, and 54.4% and 59.2%, for the indicators Tavg; and 56.5% and 60.9%, and 59.7% and 61.8%, for the indicators Tmax. When a teat was considered stressed because its scoring fell between the levels 2 and 3 of the scale adopted, sensitivity and specificity were between 49.0% and 55.8%, and 58.3% and 61.8%, for the indicators Tavg; and 55.8% and 59.9%, and 60.6% and 61.4%, for the indicators Tmax. As a consequence, the low values of sensitivity and specificity do not seem to justify the development of an ad hoc infrared device for the monitoring of udder teat stress. Nonetheless, this technology can be a viable solution for a preliminary evaluation of the mechanical stress of teats if a Milking system would be equipped with an infrared sensor already in place for other purposes (e.g., the monitoring of udder health status).

  • The Use of Infrared Thermography fort he Monitoring of Udder Teat Stress Caused by Milking Machines
    'MDPI AG', 2019
    Co-Authors: F M Tangorra, F Luzi, V. Redaaelli, M Zaninelli
    Abstract:

    The aim of this study was to test infrared thermography (IRT) as a possible tool for scoring teat color changes after cluster removal; thus, indirectly, to classify the short-term stress of teats caused by Milking Machines. Thermographic images (n = 137) from three farms were collected and evaluated to calculate the average and maximum skin surface temperatures (SSTs) at the base, center, and tip of each teat (Tavg,B, Tavg,C, Tavg,T, Tmax,B, Tmax,C, and Tmax,T). Obtained results confirmed a significant relationship between the indicators Tavg, Tmax and the levels of teat color change (level one: pink-colored teat; level two: red-colored teat; level three: blue or purple-colored teat). Nevertheless, when a teat was considered to be stressed because its scoring fell in level 3 of the color-change scale used, sensitivity and specificity in the classification of the teat status ranged respectively between 45.6% and 54.3%, and 54.4% and 59.2%, for the indicators Tavg; and 56.5% and 60.9%, and 59.7% and 61.8%, for the indicators Tmax. When a teat was considered stressed because its scoring fell between the levels 2 and 3 of the scale adopted, sensitivity and specificity were between 49.0% and 55.8%, and 58.3% and 61.8%, for the indicators Tavg; and 55.8% and 59.9%, and 60.6% and 61.4%, for the indicators Tmax. As a consequence, the low values of sensitivity and specificity do not seem to justify the development of an ad hoc infrared device for the monitoring of udder teat stress. Nonetheless, this technology can be a viable solution for a preliminary evaluation of the mechanical stress of teats if a Milking system would be equipped with an infrared sensor already in place for other purposes (e.g., the monitoring of udder health status)

  • Recenti sviluppi tecnologici dei sistemi che utilizzano la conducibilità elettrica del latte per il monitoraggio dello stato di salute delle capre=Recent technological developments of systems that use the electrical conductivity of milk to monitor th
    Edizioni Scivac, 2016
    Co-Authors: M Zaninelli, V. Onzo
    Abstract:

    In ruminants, infections by pathogenic microorganisms can be the origin of mastitis and they can affect both yields and quality of milk. The health status of mammary glands can be investigated through standardized laboratory analyses such as bacteriological analyses and the somatic cells count. These analyses need their relative times to be performed. For this reason, researchers have studied new markers and indexes able to detect, early and directly at the farm, the presence of udder pathologies with a specific focus on sub-clinical cases. In dairy cows, the electrical conductivity of milk has been the most studied parameter. In dairy goats, only recently the same trend has been observed although similar advantages, in terms of udder health, could be reached when the monitoring of the herd is performed. In this review, we present a detailed description of which is the current knowledge of this parameter and which is its detection characteristic when applied to milk from dairy goats in order to identify mastitis cases. The results of this review show that significant correlations between the mean values of electrical conductivity and the health status of mammary glands have been reported by many authors. Furthermore, different algorithms based on univariate or multivariate models have been tested with useful sensitivities and specificities. Therefore, this parameter can be considered as a tool to improve the monitoring of the mammary health status, also for dairy goats. However, the knowledge of the relationship between this parameter and the presence of mammary gland' pathologies should be improved. Furthermore, technological aspects related to the Milking systems should be taken into account. In fact new sensors, able to measure this data on-line and for single gland, are necessary if the target is to use this technology in Milking Machines with performances comparable with those obtained with dairy cows

Mighri L. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Évaluation comparée des conditions de traite chez des troupeaux bovins conduits en hors sol en milieu semi-aride de Tunisie
    IAV Hassan II, 2015
    Co-Authors: M'sadak Youssef, Haj Mbarek R., Mighri L.
    Abstract:

    L’objectif de ce travail consiste à évaluer les conditions de traite dans 120 troupeaux bovins laitiers répartis dans trois régions du Sahel Tunisien: Sousse, Monastir et Mahdia. A cet effet, 707 vaches en lactation, de race Frisonne Holstein, conduites en hors sol, ont été considérées. La moyenne des surfaces agricoles utiles (SAU) des fermes pour les trois zones étudiées est de 4,6 ha. Parmi les élevages enquêtés, 71% sont à stabulation libre. L’étude des paramètres de fonctionnement des Machines à traire (MAT) des vaches a révélé que la fréquence de pulsation (FP), le niveau de vide (NV) et le rapport de pulsation (RP) sont non conformes aux normes dans respectivement 87%, 78% et 58% des cas. Sur le plan hygiénique, il a été dévoilé que 39% des MAT suivies sont de mauvaise propreté et que 51% de la tuyauterie est de moyen état. Concernant les pratiques de traite, la méthode la plus utilisée pour le nettoyage des mamelles est la lavette collective avec de l’eau (39%), sans le recours à l’essuyage (67%). L’élimination des premiers jets et la désinfection des trayons après la traite sont deux pratiques omises par respectivement 62% et 61% des éleveurs. Les conditions de traite s’écartent des bonnes pratiques chez plusieurs éleveurs et elles méritent davantage de suivi et d’entretien. Mots clés: Bovin laitier, Machine à traire, Pratiques de traite, Hygiène de traite, Semi-aride, Tunisie littorale.    The objective of this work was to evaluate the Milking conditions in 120 dairy herds in three regions of the Sahel of Tunisia: Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia. For this purpose, 707 lactating cows of Holstein Friesian, were considered. The average farm size in the three areas studied was 4.6 ha. Among the surveyed farms, 71% free stall. The study of the machine operating parameters to milk cows revealed that the pulse frequency (FP), the vacuum level (NV) and pulsation ratio (PR) are nonconforming respectively in 87%, 78% and 58% of cases. The study of the hygienic conditions revealed that 39% of Milking Machines (MAT) are of poor cleanliness and 51% of their pipes are in medium condition. Regarding Milking practices, the most used method for cleaning teats is the collective mop with water (39%), without wiping (67%). The elimination of the first jets and the teat disinfection after Milking were both omitted by 62% and 61% of farmers. The Milking conditions deviate from best practice in several farms and they deserve more attention and equipment maintenance.  Keywords: Dairy cattle, Milking machine, Milking practices, Milking hygiene, Semiarid, Coastal Tunisia

Arbosa, José Carlos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ordenha mecânica nas explorações de caprinos de Trás-os-Montes (Portugal): problemas e dificuldades para a sua divulgação
    Universida Politécnica de Madrid, 2014
    Co-Authors: Arbosa, José Carlos, Francisco José Sá Pereira, Fitas Da Cruz, Vasco
    Abstract:

    Na região de Trás-os-Montes (nordeste de Portugal) a exploração de cabras de leite, principalmente da raça Serrana, autóctone, é uma actividade relativamente importante do ponto de vista socioeconómico, porque se trata de uma região pobre e onde são raras as actividades económicas alternativas para a população rural. Para o desenvolvimento da actividade e para a melhoria da qualidade e quantidade de leite produzido, é importante melhorar as condições de ordenha, especialmente quanto às instalações e equipamentos; e às condições de trabalho do ordenhador. A maioria das explorações de caprinos da região pratica a ordenha manual. Este tipo de ordenha tem vários problemas quanto às condições de trabalho e à qualidade do leite recolhido. Nos últimos anos desenvolveram-se várias acções no sentido de melhorar as condições de ordenha e de incentivar os criadores para a adopção de ordenha mecânica. No entanto, verificam-se alguns problemas e dificuldades dos criadores na adopção e utilização destes equipamentos. Com este trabalho, pretende-se identificar os problemas e dificuldades que resultaram da adopção/utilização de equipamentos de ordenha mecânica em explorações de cabras de leite da região de Trás-os-Montes. O estudo da ordenha mecânica abrangeu vários aspectos: os equipamentos utilizados; a organização do trabalho e das instalações; e os procedimentos do ordenhador no trabalho de ordenha. Foram estudadas as explorações de caprinos de raça Serrana da região de Trás-os-Montes que utilizam qualquer tipo de ordenha mecânica. A informação recolhida permite concluir que há dificuldades na adaptação ao uso de novas técnicas de ordenha e equipamentos. Os problemas estão, principalmente, relacionados com a organização do trabalho e do local da ordenha, e com a aprendizagem da correcta utilização dos equipamentos. De futuro, será importante considerar o desenvolvimento de acções de apoio técnico aos criadores, no sentido de melhorar as instalações/local de ordenha e a utilização dos equipamentosIn the national context, the region of Trás-os-Montes, in Northeastern Portugal, is one of the most depopulated and least favoured areas. In this region, goat breeding has great socioeconomic importance due to the number of families that are economically dependent on these activities. This importance is particularly due to the scarcity of alternative economic activities. To improve goat breeding, milk production and milk quality, it is important to enhance Milking conditions, mainly in facilities, equipment and working conditions. Presently, there are very few farms with Milking Machines. Mostly, goats are hand-milked inside the shelters. As a result of actions carried out over the recent years involving strategies to improve Milking conditions on goat farms in the region, some breeders adopted mechanical Milking. For these breeders, mechanical Milking is a new technology, they are inexperienced and they lack knowledge about the correct use of these Machines and best Milking practices. To study mechanical Milking we established the following aspects to consider: working organization and facilities, Milking operations, and procedures performed by milkers. Goat farms that used mechanical Milking in the region of Trás-os-Montes were studied. From the information collected, it was found some difficulties in the adaptation to the use of new Milking techniques. Main problems are related to working organization, facilities and equipment utilization

  • Mechanical Milking on goat farms in Trás-os-Montes (Portugal): problems and difficulties
    Fundación General de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2014
    Co-Authors: Arbosa, José Carlos, Pereira Francisco, Fitas Da Cruz, Vasco
    Abstract:

    Na região de Trás-os-Montes (nordeste de Portugal) a exploração de cabras de leite, principalmente da raça Serrana, autóctone, é uma actividade relativamente importante do ponto de vista socioeconómico, porque se trata de uma região pobre e onde são raras as actividades económicas alternativas para a população rural. Para o desenvolvimento da actividade e para a melhoria da qualidade e quantidade de leite produzido é importante melhorar as condições de ordenha, especialmente quanto às instalações e equipamentos e às condições de trabalho do ordenhador. A maioria das explorações de caprinos da região pratica a ordenha manual. Este tipo de ordenha tem vários problemas quanto às condições de trabalho e à qualidade do leite recolhido. Nos últimos anos desenvolveram-se várias acções no sentido de melhorar as condições de ordenha e de incentivar os criadores para a adopção de ordenha mecânica. No entanto, verificam-se alguns problemas e dificuldades dos criadores na adopção e utilização destes equipamentos. Com este trabalho pretende-se identificar os problemas e dificuldades que resultaram da adopção/utilização de equipamentos de ordenha mecânica em explorações de cabras de leite da região de Trás-os-Montes. O estudo da ordenha mecânica abrangeu vários aspectos: os equipamentos utilizados; a organização do trabalho e das instalações; e os procedimentos do ordenhador no trabalho de ordenha. Foram estudadas as explorações de caprinos de raça Serrana da região de Trás-os-Montes que utilizam qualquer tipo de ordenha mecânica. A informação recolhida permite concluir que há dificuldades na adaptação ao uso de novas técnicas de ordenha e equipamentos. Os problemas estão, principalmente, relacionados com a organização do trabalho e do local da ordenha, e com a aprendizagem da correcta utilização dos equipamentos. De futuro, será importante considerar o desenvolvimento de acções de apoio técnico aos criadores, no sentido de melhorar as instalações/local de ordenha e a utilização dos equipamentosIn the national context, the region of Trás-os-Montes, in Northeastern Portugal, is one of the most depopulated and least favoured areas. In this region, goat breeding has great socioeconomic importance due to the number of families that are economically dependent on these activities. This importance is particularly due to the scarcity of alternative economic activities. To improve goat breeding, milk production and milk quality, it is important to enhance Milking conditions, mainly in facilities, equipment and working conditions. Presently, there are very few farms with Milking Machines. Mostly, goats are hand-milked inside the shelters.As a result of actions carried out over the recent years involving strategies to improve Milking conditions on goat farms in the region, some breeders adopted mechanical Milking. For these breeders, mechanical Milking is a new technology, they are inexperienced and they lack knowledge about the correct use of these Machines and best Milking practices. To study mechanical Milking we established the following aspects to consider: working organization and facilities, Milking operations, and procedures performed by milkers. Goat farms that used mechanical Milking in the region of Trás-os-Montes were studied. From the information collected, it was found some difficulties in the adaptation to the use of new Milking techniques. Main problems are related to working organization, facilities and equipment utilization.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio