Verification and testing of mechanical milk meters in Uruguay

Abstract

This paper attempts to present levels of functionality and accuracy of 193 milk meters (ML), verified and tested in a basic test platform milk meters (PPML) in Uruguay. The MLs belonged to 8 dairy producers and 9 independent controlling companies, which specialize in offering milk control services in the country. The universe evaluated, corresponding to 2 of the main brands in the market, used in permanent milking cycles in different dairy farms to estimate milk production of each animal. The results obtained showed that 50,8% of ML, was above 3% error, being classified as “unfit” to perform measurements at dairy farm level by following the recommended criteria of the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR). ML admitted to PPML, had never been valued by an independent organization; only 26% of them were evaluated for a second time and 4% for a third, in the period covered by this evaluation from 2008 to 2012. The results of the checks carried out, allow to the conclusion that it is necessary and indispensable, created in Uruguay, a regulatory organization that establishes limits of error and technical requirements, following international standards. The ML had been experiencing an intense wear and tear for the continuous and permanent use, between dairy farms, leading an author to suggest following up a verification by year, ensuring the accuracy used to establish management measures in the herd and making productive, reproductive, nutritional and genetic management.